Syracuse Sun

Award-winning journalist and CNN anchor Boris Sanchez ’09 has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 2024 College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Undergraduate Convocation. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome.

Sanchez, who has been co-anchoring "CNN News Central" since April 2023, has been at the forefront of covering major events and stories, including former President Donald Trump’s legal issues, international conflicts, and key Supreme Court decisions. Reflecting on his upcoming address at his alma mater, Sanchez expressed his gratitude, stating, “Syracuse helped shape everything I have aimed to accomplish throughout my career, and I am deeply humbled and grateful.”

Having shared his personal story at the Maxwell School’s Awards of Excellence celebration in Washington, D.C., Sanchez highlighted how his family's passion for justice and democracy influenced his career path. He emphasized the importance of speaking truth to power, saying, “I was fortunate to pursue an education and career specializing in what they were not allowed to do, and that is, speak truth to power.”

Sanchez's dedication to advocating for underrepresented voices and defending democracy has been a cornerstone of his journalism career. As he prepares to address the graduating class of 2024, Sanchez underscored the significance of his role, stating, “And that’s not something I take lightly.”

Maxwell School Dean David M. Van Slyke expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Sanchez back to the Syracuse University campus, noting his inspiring journey from a small-town station to CNN. Van Slyke described Sanchez's commitment to truth and democracy as a source of inspiration for the graduating class as they embark on their own professional paths.

In his address to the upcoming graduates, Sanchez looks forward to sharing a personal message about the American Dream and the collective responsibility to shape a future grounded in truth. As he prepares to address the next generation of leaders, Sanchez's journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a commitment to upholding democratic values.

The article was written by Michael Kelly.