Lester Holt brings NBC News to Pepperdine

MALIBU, Calif. — Just call him “Dr. Holt.”

NBC News’ Lester Holt, a member of the Manhattan Church of Christ in New York, gave the commencement address at Pepperdine University and received an honorary doctorate April 28.

Lester’s son Stefan Holt, a 2009 Pepperdine graduate working in television news in Chicago, surprised his father and participated in the ceremony.

“Receiving this honor is humbling, but more than humbling, I must admit it is improbable,” said Lester Holt, who left college short of earning his degree to work full time in news. “Graduates, I never made the walk you are about to make.”
Holt anchored that Saturday’s “NBC Nightly News” live from Pepperdine President Andy Benton’s back yard, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.