Hoda Kotb Opens Up About Rejection & Love in Speech to College Students

Hoda Kotb has been busy since stepping away from Today last year.

In addition to making guest appearances on the NBC morning show, Kotb has released a new book, Jump and Find Joy, launched her wellness company, Joy 101, and filled in for Savannah Guthrie on Today amid her two-month-long break. For her latest post-Today gig, Kotb took to the stage at Fordham University’s 2026 graduation ceremony to deliver this year’s commencement speech.

“Go Rams!” Kotb exclaimed before the ceremony in a Saturday, May 16, Instagram video. “Hi, guys! It’s Hoda Kotb. I’m so thrilled to be the commencement speaker at Fordham. Okay, so here’s my piece of advice.”

Sharing words of wisdom, she continued, “In life, you’re gonna have multiple rejections. You know what I say? ‘So what? Now what? So what? Now what?’ So, the rule is you don’t need everyone to like you. Not everyone’s gonna hire you. Not everyone’s gonna promote you. You just need to find the one who’s gonna do that for you. Find your one, and you will make it in life. Go get ‘em, Fordham!”

Kotb later posted a montage of photos and clips from the graduation via her Instagram profile. “Wow graduates of @fordhamuniversity — you made it here— you’ll make it anywhere!” she captioned the Saturday upload. “Proud of you— thx for letting me watch greatness xo.”

 

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Fans congratulated Kotb on her accomplishment in the post’s comments. “Welcome to the Ramily, DR. KOTB!!!! We love you!” Fordham’s official Instagram page wrote. One fan stated, “It was so lovely thanks Hoda. graduate here!” Another added, “You made this Momma cry! Thanks for being so real!”

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Someone else shared, “My son graduated with his Fordham MBA today! You were fabulous! Great advice and in that unique ‘Hoda’ style we all know and love! Thanks for being that speaker none of us will ever forget!”

A different person posted, “What a wonderful inspiring speech you gave today at my granddaughters graduation ceremony today! Thank you so much for making this such a memorable day that will last a lifetime @hodakotb.”

In addition to giving the commencement speech, Kotb received an honorary doctorate of humane letters in recognition of her inspiring and informing the public throughout her career.

“If you’re not ready when opportunity knocks, take the opportunity anyway,” Kotb said during her speech, per a graduation ceremony recap shared via Forham’s website. “Believe in your ability to make it anywhere. You belong in every boardroom, every mountaintop, every C-suite.”

She added, “You don’t need everyone to love you. You just need one.”

 

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Kotb isn’t the only member of the Today family celebrating the Class of 2026. Craig Melvin — who took over for Kotb as Guthrie’s co-anchor in January 2025 — will deliver his own commencement speech at Villanova University on Tuesday, May 19.

Melvin shared a glimpse of himself prepping for his speech via Instagram on Sunday, May 17, writing, “Honored and excited to deliver this year’s commencement address at Villanova University on Tuesday. No better way to spend a Sunday than putting the finishing touches on my remarks.”

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