AKRON, Ohio – Longtime television news anchor Connie Chung will speak at the University of Akron on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the university’s John S. Knight Lecture Series.
Chung will participate in a chat-style discussion with University of Akron President R.J. Nemer at the E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. The event is free and open to the public, according to a university news release.
Chung’s broadcast career spans four decades and includes coverage of significant news stories, including presidencies, conventions and campaigns, and national and international events such as Watergate and Middle East peace negotiations, according to the release. She is also a three-time Emmy award winner, including two for Best Interview/Interviewer. Chung is the recipient of a George Foster Peabody Award, honors from American Women in Radio and Television, Outstanding Young Woman of America and Wonder Woman Award.
Chung graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor of science degree in 1969. She has received honorary doctorate degrees from Brown University, Providence College, Wheaton College, Norwich University and California Pacifica University, according to the release.
Chung’s parents and four older sisters emigrated to the U.S. from China in 1945. Chung was born in Washington, D.C., in 1946. Her journalism career began in her hometown in 1969 at WTTG-TV Metromedia (now Fox), according to the release.
Chung’s appearance, which is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, will coincide with the university’s 50th anniversary of its honors education program. Today, the honors program is known as the Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College. A ticketed celebration is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3, followed by the Homecoming and Family Weekend events on Saturday, Oct. 4.