March 11, 2025 — Steve Kornacki, one of the nation’s most prominent journalists and political analysts, will address undergraduates of the Class of 2025 at Marist University’s Commencement on Saturday, May 24, on the Campus Green. It will be an historic Commencement season, as it’s the first for Marist as a University since the name change took effect Jan. 29, 2025.

Kornacki is an acclaimed NBC News national political correspondent who has also contributed to NBC Sports and MSNBC and is known for his work on the "big board" where he breaks down complex political and trend data into objective, easy-to-understand insights. His encyclopedic knowledge of political history and intricacies of the electoral map, combined with his frenetic and tireless energy during election seasons, quickly vaulted Kornacki to the top of his field.

Steve Kornacki in Studio 3A at 30 Rockefeller Plaza on October 21, 2022. Photo courtesy of NBC News. 

His real-time analysis of voting patterns, exit polls, and electoral data has become so popular that Kornacki has also brought his knack for breaking down data to sports, contributing to Sunday Night Football and Triple Crown horse racing coverage. His work for both NBC News and NBC Sports has revolutionized the medium with wide appeal to viewers of all ages by making complex data more digestible and interesting.

Kornacki is no stranger to Marist, having visited campus multiple times to meet with students who work at the nationally renowned Marist Poll as well as those studying political science.

Kornacki also has written articles for The Wall Street Journal, Roll Call, The Boston Globe, New York Observer, The New York Times, and others. Prior to his current role at NBC, he hosted the Monday edition of MTP (Meet the Press) Daily, Up with Steve Kornacki, MSNBC Live, and was a co-host on MSNBC’s ensemble show The Cycle. 

Steve Kornacki visited the Marist campus post-2024 Presidential election to meet with students from Dr. Lee Miringoff’s "Special Topic: Election 2024" class. Photo by Benson Delaney '27/Marist University.

“We are grateful and honored to have Steve help us celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025,” said Marist University President Kevin Weinman. “It is fitting to have an accomplished professional of his stature as part of our services to recognize Marist’s inaugural class of University graduates. Steve is an effective communicator who has a way with data that is both insightful and entertaining.”

Kornacki will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Marist University in recognition of his professional accomplishments and contributions to society.

About Marist University’s 2025 Commencement Ceremonies
Master's and doctoral students will be honored Friday night, May 23 inside McCann Arena. A full schedule of Commencement events and a livestream can be found on the Marist website, www.marist.edu/commencement. If severe weather is forecast, Marist may make alternate arrangements based on weather conditions.