TODAY alum Hoda Kotb has been given a new title while making a rather shocking career move more than a year after leaving her morning TV anchor job.

Hoda, 61, gave the commencement address at Fordham graduation this week and was presented with a doctor degree.

 

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The former TODAY anchor delivered the commencement address at Fordham University on May 16 Credit: Instagram / fordhamuniversity
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Fans have since reacted to Hoda’s moving speech Credit: Instagram / fordhamuniversityThe former TODAY anchor delivered the commencement address at Fordham University on May 16.

In her lengthy speech, Hoda shared some lessons she has learned from her own humble beginnings in television.

She recalled how she persevered in the face of rejection yet did as much as she could with the opportunities that were presented to her.

“Believe in your ability to make it anywhere. You belong in every boardroom, every mountaintop, every C suite,” she urged graduates.

 

She ended her speech by playing Frank Sinatra’s Theme from New York, New York, on her phone.

Hoda said that if they can make it there, they can make it anywhere.

Flocking to social media in the aftermath of her speech, one person said: “Best commencement speaker ever!!! Really spoke to us baby journalists.”

“Goosebumps,” penned a second.

While a third wrote: “Wonderful commencement address today! Thank you!”

Hoda quit her job on TODAY when wrote a letter to staff in September 2024 sharing her decision to leave the show, with the host officially departing in January 2025 once and for all.

On January 10, 2025, Hoda Kotb was sobbing her socks off after an emotional tribute on her last day ever at the Today Show after 17 years.

Today Show anchors presented Hoda with a surprise video montage of her best moments, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Through tears, the former co-anchor said: “That was not fair.”

She went on to explain that she hasn’t been able to talk about her emotional exit from the show.

Hoda confessed: “I’ve not been able to articulate because I’m a mess most of the time.”

She thanked Al Roker for being her “first friend here”.

Savannah Guthrie also joined in the tear-fest as Hoda told her co-anchor: “You’re my person.”

Savannah and Hoda became the first all-female duo to host the show in 2018 after the latter’s interim placement was made permanent.