“Pretty Lies Can’t Hide EMPTY TRUTH — Substance Is Everything,” Star Declares in Powerful Message That’s Shaking Social Media
“No matter how pretty you package it, if there’s no substance, it does not matter. Truth matters — and that’s never been more relevant than right now.”
In a time when image often overshadows integrity, this no-nonsense declaration is cutting through the noise — and fans are applauding the brutal honesty.
Al Roker gives a commencement speech at Siena College and receives an honorary degree on May 18, 2025.Siena College / YouTube
TODAY’s Al Roker has a message for the class of 2025: “Ground yourself and those around you in truth.”
That point was at the center of the charming and inspiring commencement speech the TODAY weatherman and co-host, 70, gave Siena College’s class of 2025 on Sunday, May 18. Al, who also received an honorary degree from the New York private college at the ceremony, spoke to the graduating class while donning a green, gold and black gown and black tam with gold tassel.
Before approaching the lectern, Al took a few selfies and was met with thunderous applause from the audience. “My kids will be so embarrassed, which is really the bonus of being a parent,” he quipped before welcoming the college staff, students, their families and other special guests.
He encouraged the graduating class to rise and thank their family, friends and everyone who has supported them along their college journey.
After they returned to their seats, he commended Siena College for having an “amazing” motto rooted in truth.
“As you, the class of 2025, prepare for your next part of your journey, truth has been part of your path here. Faith has been an integral part of your path here. Compassion has been part of your path here,” he said. “You’ve been given a unique opportunity, a superior education that weaves together knowledge, faith and truth together.”
He pointed out that some of the students might be wondering why he was selected to deliver the commencement speech. Al shared that Tom Mazzarelli, executive producer of TODAY, is an alum of the Siena College class of 1993.
Al then mentioned that Sunday also marked Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass. He quoted the newly elected pope, who said, “‘In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest. For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, community and fraternity within the world.’”
He asked the graduates to remember those words as they move onto the next chapter in their lives.
Al went on to recall a pivotal moment early on in his career with one of his news directors, who also shared a similarly motivating message with him. He said the news director told him he couldn’t “chrome plate crap.”
“So, in other words, no matter how pretty you package it, if there’s no substance, it does not matter. Truth matters, and that’s never been more relevant than right now,” he explained. “We are in a moment when truth is under attack, when the loudest voice, too often, drowns out the most honest one, where misinformation spreads faster than facts, and that’s why your voices matter.”
He continued, “Whether you’re going into journalism, business, science, art, education, public service, your responsibility is the same: To lead with integrity. To ground yourself and those around you in truth. To resist the temptation to chase viral over vital. And when you run into somebody — like I did early in my career in Cleveland — who tries to reduce you to a stereotype or just a number or throws ignorance in your face, you don’t let that define you. You define the moment.”
Al said, in his own incident, he chose to respond with grace instead of outrage when an anchorman at a Cleveland station made a racist comment.
“While to some ‘diversity’ is a dirty word, to those committed to just and equality, it is not,” he added. “In fact, part of your Siena mission says, and I quote, ‘We seek to build a community strengthened by diversity, where members work together in friendship and respect, committed to building a world that is more just, peaceable and humane,’ which is so important.”
He echoed that sentiment in his closing words to the students. Al advised them to be themselves, know their worth and remember how they achieved their dreams and who helped them. He also said to “remember A.B.C.” which stands for “always be charging.”
“Whether it’s your phone or your spirit, the world is going to demand a lot from you. And that’s not new, but you are more than ready,” he assured them.
At the end of his speech, Al mentioned that on May 17 he watched his son, Nick, whom he said is a “neurodiverse learner,” receive his associate degree. Al said like the parents in the audience, he is also looking forward to seeing his son tackle the next part of his life.
“Siena College poll says you have a 100% chance of success, and there is no margin of error in that poll. Class of 2025, congratulations,” Al concluded as the crowd clapped.
Shortly after the speech, the college shared a photo that Al snapped with some of the graduates on Instagram. “Commencement day selfie,” the caption read.
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As Al shared, the commencement followed his son Nick’s graduation ceremony, which he attended with his wife, Deborah Roberts.
To celebrate his achievement, the TODAY weatherman uploaded a slideshow of photos on Instagram on Saturday that showed Nick at his graduation in his cap and gown.
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“Three years ago, we dropped him off as a first year college student. Today @nickroker155 has his #associatesdegree in #communications and we could not be prouder of how hard he has worked and is determined to get his #bachelorsdegree,” Al said in the caption. “Way to go, my boy.”
