Ann Curry and The Wrong Wheaton

Believe me, the two colleges that have the same name might be confusing. Even for Ann Curry, News Anchor of the Today Show. She spoke at Wheaton College’s commencement on Saturday. But which Wheaton?! There are two—a Christian school in Illinois, and a nondenominational college in Norton, Massachusetts. Curry did not choose the right one.

Curry listed several famous graduates — Wes Craven and Billy Graham among them — of the wrong Wheaton College.

Curry tried to cover for herself in an apologetic letter to the college by naming a bunch of graduates of the correct school:

So it is with a heavy heart that I ask you to forgive me for mistakenly naming graduates of the other Wheaton College in my address.

I now know I should have named National Medal of Science winner Dr. Mary Ellen Avery, former New Jersey Governor and former EPA Director Christie Todd Whitman, literary agent Esther Newberg, Oscar-nominated actress Catherine Keener and Ken Babby, the youngest senior officer in the history of the Washington Post, among others. Thank goodness I got Leslie Stahl right.

I am mortified by my mistake, and can only hope the purity of my motive, to find a way to connect with the graduates and to encourage them to a life of service, will allow you to forgive me.

The text and video of her speech, posted on the site, have been edited of the mistakes. Here is the video. But, note that it’s EDITED:

Wheaton College 175th Commencement from Lisa Nelson on Vimeo.