St. John’s speakers named

St. John’s University announced that Hugh Evans, the CEO of Global Poverty Project, and David Ushery, WNBC-TV news anchor, will serve as commencement speakers for the university’s 144th graduation ceremonies in Queens and Staten Island, respectively.

The ceremony on Staten Island will take place on Saturday, May 17 and will be followed with the Queens campus ceremony on Sunday, May 18.

Evans will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree, and Ushery will accept an honorary doctor of letters degree, both to be conferred by St. John’s University Interim President Rev. Joseph Levesque.

“They are true role models who give their time and effort to worthwhile charitable organizations here in the U.S. and around the world. The Class of 2014 will hear meaningful messages from these two dynamic individuals who we hold in the highest regard ...” Levesque said.

Evans, an Australian humanitarian, is known for his efforts to eradicate poverty and has partnered with world leaders and celebrities to spread his message of hope. Ushery is a respected broadcast journalist and award-winning newscaster for WNBC-TV. His ties to several religious organizations in New York affirm his strong Roman Catholic faith, as he regularly volunteers his services as a guest speaker and Master of Ceremonies at several diocesan events throughout the metropolitan area.