Conferral of the
Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa
upon
Christopher Ruddy
Christopher Ruddy received his B.A. in History summa cum
laude from St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in
1987. Describing himself as “a Christian and an American, one who
believes strongly in maintaining a vibrant and democratic political
system here in the United States so that we may be an example to
other peoples”, he is the Founder, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Newsmax Media, Inc., a multi-media publishing company
that produces online and offline content in the fields of news,
politics, health and finance. He began documenting the events of
the day as a Reporter for the New York Post, after which
he held the coveted position of National Correspondent for the
Pittsburgh Tribune Review. In 1998 he was seized with the
entrepreneurial spirit, and Newsmax Media, Inc. became a reality.
Remarkably determined and energetic, Ruddy has received national
and international acclaim for his commitment to uncovering the
truth wherever it may lie. He has been ranked by Britain’s
Telegraph as one of America’s “100 Most Influential
Conservatives,” considered by Newsweek as one of the
country’s top 20 most influential news media personalities and
listed by Folio Magazine among the “Folio 40” as one of
the most distinguished innovators and influencers in the magazine
industry. In 2010 the South Florida Business Journal
awarded him its “Ultimate CEO” designation for his executive
leadership at Newsmax Media, Inc. Committed to sharing his talents
and insights with others, he has embraced the Vincentian value of
service as a member of the Boards of the Financial Publishers
Association and the American Swiss Foundation. This loyal and
dedicated alumnus generously supports the University as a member of
both The Founders Society and The Loughlin Society. Tonight, on the
25th anniversary of his graduation, St. John’s University
acknowledges with pride the achievements of this exceptional
alumnus, world-class journalist and dynamic media executive, and
takes pleasure in conferring upon Christopher Ruddy,
honoris causa, the degree of Doctor of Letters.
May 18, 2012