Neil deGrasse Tyson, CNN anchor Abby Phillip will speak at Kean U. commencement ceremonies

Celebrity astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and CNN anchor Abby Phillip will be the commencement speakers for Kean University's 2024 graduation ceremonies, university officials announced Thursday.

Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, is renowned for his talks on space and science and is widely recognized from his appearances on "Nova" on PBS, Discovery and social media. He will address undergraduates and their families on May 16 at Kean’s undergraduate commencement at the Prudential Center in Newark.

Phillip is anchor of CNN's "NewsNight with Abby Phillip" and is a former senior political correspondent and anchor of "Inside Politics Sunday." She is known for her work covering presidential campaigns, Washington politics, campaign finance, lobbying and the White House. She will speak to post-baccalaureate students at the graduate commencement on May 14 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

"At Kean University our goal is to launch our graduates onto successful career paths, and Neil deGrasse Tyson and Abby Phillip are both inspiring examples of success and excellent role models for our students," Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet said in a news release. "We are extremely proud to welcome these two stellar individuals to speak to our 2024 Kean graduating classes."

Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 15 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Neil deGrasse Tyson, CNN's Abby Phillip to speak at Kean's graduation