Keynote Address by Art Holliday

Introduction

• Art Holliday, alumni speaker, native of St. Charles, Missouri.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism from Mizzou.
• News director at KSDK 5 on your side in St. Louis, Missouri.

Opening Remarks

• Engaged the audience by asking graduates to stand.
• Emphasized avoiding clichés in writing.
• Shared personal anecdote about being introverted during college.

Personal Journey Through Journalism

• Shared photos representing his journalism journey, including his daughter's graduation.
• Recounted early job opportunities and decisions.
  • Turned down a job in Tampa, Florida to work in St. Louis.
  • Realized the decision was a gift to his parents.

Career Highlights

• Covered St. Louis Cardinals, six World Series.
• Recounted viral video with Vince Coleman.
• Experienced various roles: sportscaster, news anchor, news director.
• Notable interviews: Keith Richards, John Goodman, Jay Leno.

Lessons and Advice

• Encouraged graduates to embrace effort over talent.
  • Ten attributes that don't require talent (e.g., arriving early, working hard).
• Shared the importance of being adaptable.
• Advocated writing plans in pencil, not ink.

Overcoming Challenges

• Recounted setbacks and overcoming them:
  • Incident of racial bias early in his career.
  • Being demoted from anchor despite successful ratings.
• Advised taking the high road during adversity.

Reflective Poem

• Shared a poem inspired by an aging movie director's reflections.
• Emphasized the fleeting nature of time and the importance of leaving a legacy.

Final Thoughts

• Encouraged graduates to appreciate their journalism education.
• Closed with well wishes and subtle humor about future plans.
• Ended with the cliché "Follow your dreams," acknowledging its significance.