ABC News, 'GMA' journalist T.J. Holmes to keynote Dr. King celebration

OSWEGO -- ABC News anchor/correspondent T.J. Holmes, a regular on the network's top-rated morning show "Good Morning America," will keynote SUNY Oswego's 28th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, in Tyler Hall's Waterman Theatre.

In his 17-year journalism career, Holmes has reported around the country and the world on major news events: the poaching crisis in South Africa; the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, in 2004 and most recently, in Rio de Janeiro; and presidential elections, as well as both party nominating conventions this year. 

"As an internationally renowned news anchor and journalist, T.J. Holmes has seen firsthand the great challenges that face people around the world," said Dan Roberts, associate dean of students and chair of the college's Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

"In each instance, whether it be his coverage of natural disasters or terrorist attacks, he has seen the power we as people have to overcome adversity through unity and our shared humanity," Roberts said. "T.J.'s ability to share these inspirational experiences will no doubt empower all those that attend this year's Martin Luther King Jr. celebration."

Prior to joining ABC, Holmes spent five years as anchor of "CNN Saturday/Sunday Morning" and anchored significant news stories at CNN, including Saddam Hussein's execution in 2006 and the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, in 2008 and at Glasgow Airport in 2007. He also reported from the scene of the devastating Joplin, Missouri, tornadoes; the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in New Orleans; and the shootings on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. Holmes also anchored from Ground Zero to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

Holmes is an alumnus of the University of Arkansas and has served on its Chancellor's Board of Advisors since 2008. A native of West Memphis, he currently lives in New York.

The Waterman Theatre event is free, but requires a ticket. The general public can obtain tickets starting Jan. 25 at the Marano Campus Center box office or by calling 315-312-3073. Doors for the event will open at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 26.

Those with disabilities needing accommodations to attend should call the college's Accessibility Resource Services at 315-312-3358 prior to the event.

The college's Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management sponsors the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in collaboration with the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.