“The Washington Journal” host to address December graduates

Since graduating from UCCS with a degree in distributed studies, Robert “Robb” Walter Harleston has interviewed world leaders, military aids and economics advisers while hosting C-SPAN’s flagship morning public affairs program, “The Washington Journal.”

Now, 30 years after his graduation, Harleston, 54, will share his experiences with an estimated 450 students who will participate in December 2013 UCCS Commencement ceremonies scheduled for 2 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Colorado Springs World Arena.

Harleston will join UCCS Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak, CU President Bruce Benson and members of the CU Board of Regents in congratulating graduates and in the formal conferring of degrees.

In addition to his work on the “Journal,” Harleston is also C-SPAN’s congressional editor, managing the coverage of events on Capitol Hill, including Congressional hearings, news conferences, speeches and other special events.

Prior to joining C-SPAN, Harleston worked as a reporter and news anchor in Washington D.C., Charleston, S.C., Charlotte, N.C., Kansas City, Mo., Memphis, Tenn., and Jacksonville, Fla. His coverage of Hurricane Hugo, in Charleston, helped his station win the Peabody Award and the George K. Polk Award in 1989. His work at C-SPAN helped the network win a special Emmy Award for outstanding election coverage in 2004.

Harleston earned a Bachelor of Arts in Distributed Studies: Communication from UCCS in 1983, although he began his studies at Syracuse University.

As in past years, commencement ceremonies will broadcast live online.   To watch the 90-minute ceremony on Dec. 20, visit www.uccs.edu/commencement/fall-ceremony.html.

The ceremonies will be rebroadcast on Comcast Channel 20, and posted to YouTube with closed captioning provided by the UCCS Office of Disability Services and Communication Access Services. For a schedule of the broadcasts, and other details, visit www.uccs.edu/commencement.