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Hoda Kotb<\/a> is trading in the Today<\/a> anchor desk for a college graduation stage.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, Fordham University announced that Kotb will serve as the school\u2019s 2026 graduation Commencement Speaker<\/a>. \u201cCelebrated broadcaster, bestselling author, and CEO Hoda Kotb will receive an honorary degree at Fordham University\u2019s 181st Commencement on May 16 at the Rose Hill campus,\u201d read a Thursday, April 16, Instagram post<\/a>.<\/p>\n The caption continued, \u201cA celebrated journalist and trailblazer, Kotb has informed and uplifted the public throughout her distinguished career, from her iconic years at NBC\u2019s TODAY to her leadership in the wellness space. She will share words of wisdom and inspiration with the Class of 2026 as they celebrate this milestone moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Celebrities and fans congratulated Kotb in the post\u2019s comments. \u201cWoowwwww,\u201d wrote Peloton instructor and Today contributor Ally Love<\/a>. Former fourth hour of Today correspondent Donna Farizan<\/a> added, \u201cIt\u2019s going to be so good.\u201d<\/p>\n One user wrote, \u201cWE ARE SO EXCITED.\u201d Another exclaimed, \u201cOH MY GOD SUCH A WINNNNN.\u201d Someone else shared, \u201cShe is the absolute best very excited.\u201d<\/p>\n A different person posted, \u201cCan\u2019t wait to hear her speak! She\u2019s so inspiring!\u201d A separate commenter wrote, \u201cWe\u2019ve definitely stepped up our commencement speaker game these past few years! Love it!\u201d<\/p>\n In a statement shared via the school\u2019s website<\/a>, Fordham President Tania Tetlow said, \u201cWe all know her from the Today <\/i>show, where Hoda\u2019s warmth and intelligence lit up our mornings for so many years. Hoda Kotb\u2019s courage, creativity, and resilience will inspire our graduates. She has led a truly kaleidoscopic media career, boldly reporting on world events and sharing others\u2019 stories\u2014as well as her own\u2014with utmost integrity. We at Fordham are blessed to have her as our commencement speaker.\u201d<\/p>\n Kotb\u2019s commencement speech is the latest of the TV personality\u2019s projects since leaving<\/a> her longtime role on Today in January 2025. Kotb has continued to make appearances on the NBC morning show to air special segments and promote her other projects, such as her wellness company, Joy 101<\/a>, and her latest book, Jump and Find Joy.<\/p>\n Kotb recently returned to her former Today role as Savannah Guthrie<\/a> took time off amid the investigation into her mother Nancy Guthrie<\/a>\u2018s disappearance<\/a>. Savannah returned<\/a> to the show on April 6.<\/p>\n Last week, Kotb returned to cohost the show with Savannah for the first time<\/a> since her exit, as Craig Melvin<\/a> took the entire week off to enjoy spring break<\/a> with his family.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been fun holding her hand. I mean, that\u2019s been my favorite part<\/a>,\u201d Kotb told People<\/a> of being back on the show with Savannah in an interview published on April 16. \u201cJust sitting next to her. That\u2019s it. It\u2019s been really beautiful, and I feel privileged to be able to sit there for a little while.\u201d<\/p>\n Today, Weekdays, 7am, NBC<\/strong><\/p>\n Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n