Dan Rather returned to Sam Houston State University on Friday with as much hype and glory that follows most rock-stars. The "hardest working man in broadcast journalism" first spoke to the university in a lecture and then spoke to a select group of journalism students.
During the lecture in the Killinger Auditorium at the Beto Criminal Justice Center, Rather discussed many events that have affected his life directly and shared tips with students on how to reach their goals.
"Half of life is showing up and the rest is following up," Rather said. "Showing up is important, but following up is where the rewards come."
The teary-eyed Rather then went on to discuss his shortcomings and said that it was his determination that got him farther in life.
"You don't always have to be the most talented and the most educated," said Rather, "but you can always be the most determined."
Rather attributes his determination to helping him with some of his toughest assignments, including several highly publicized interviews like the one with Sadaam Hussein.
"You have to be well prepared, then get the interview and listen carefully," Rather said. "I prepared alone for two days in a bad hotel room reading my questions for the Saddam Hussein interview in a mirror, memorizing them and then re-memorizing them."
Rather also said it was SHSU that prepared him for the real world in many ways.
"SHSU helped me get as much as I could out of life. I believe in myself because I can write and report with anybody," Rather said. "I am now committed to a lifetime of learning."
During his interview session in the TV studio in the Communications Building with a handpicked group of journalism students, Rather discussed many topics ranging from advice to future journalists to what he likes to do for fun.
"Journalism students have to be willing to get hurt," Rather said. "Journalism is unique, and students should try not think that they are marketing themselves."
Rather then shared some useful tips that he has used during his many years of reporting.
"The key to every good interview is to listen," Rather said. "If you do listen carefully you may be able to get a tip-off."
Rather also said he likes to fish, loves to read, and enjoys going to the theater when he is off the air or reporting at a remote location.
"It's important to have a down time when you are involved in journalism and have someone to share that with," Rather said. "My wife is important; our life is built around each other."
Rather also said he was surprised at the amount of new buildings that now fill the campus, but it was the amount of automobiles that Rather feels has changed the most.
"When I was attending SHSU, there were six to eight students who owned cars, and only one of those cars was new," Rather said. "Now there are cars everywhere and there is even a parking garage on campus."
Rather did say that he regretted not studying hard enough while he was in school and that he didn't read more, but wasn't hesitant to discuss his feelings on the university.
"I love this place very much," Rather said. "I love SHSU probably more than anyone can understand."
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