On June 2, NBCUniversal News Group’s Chairman Cesar Conde addressed graduates at the commencement ceremony of Colin Powell School at City College of New York, one of NBCU Academy’s 30 academic partners.
Conde’s shared his personal connection to General Colin Powell, who he worked with as a White House Fellow from 2002-2003.
Conde also discussed his immigrant parents’ journey and congratulated graduates’ families.
“Today is the culmination of a collective journey involving a metaphorical village of people it has taken to help you succeed. So I would like to say a few words to the parents and families. I know that all of us are living through deeply unsettling times, economic turbulence, healthcare, uncertainties, race and social equity challenges and threats, domestic and abroad. But extraordinary times summon extraordinary courage,” he said. “Please know that these graduates are going into the world well-equipped to play their roles in making our society a better place. They are our future and they are our greatest hope.”
Conde is the first Hispanic American to lead a major English-language television news organization. He oversees NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC. Today, Conde continues to honor General Powell’s legacy by proudly serving on the Colin Powell School Board of Visitors.