(NSU NEWSROOM)
Norfolk State University alumnus Jonathan A. Mason Sr., a media executive and president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., will deliver the keynote address at the university’s fall commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Dec. 12 at the Norfolk Scope where more than 600 students are expected to earn their college degrees.
Mason, a 1995 graduate of Norfolk State, earned his degree in mass communications and has a 20-plus year career in radio. Mason has worked for stations that include 92.3 K-ROCK in New York City, home of the Howard Stern Radio Show, and then as a general sales manager for stations 77 WABC Radio and Radio 103.9 FM, both in New York.
The media executive recently formed his own company, JAM Media Solutions, a full-service advertising and marketing firm. Mason is also the founder of Camp New Joy Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing service to at-risk youth in communities all across the country.
In 2013, Mason was elected as the 34th international president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. This role has led him to spearhead various initiatives including the “I Am My Brother’s Keeper” program in conjunction with President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative and the fraternity’s National Anti-Hazing Campaign. In addition, Mason has appeared on various talk shows in the last two years that include The Today Show, News One Now with Roland Martin and The Geraldo Rivera Radio Show.
The NSU graduate said he is happy to return to Norfolk State University this month and said he is honored to be the commencement speaker at his alma mater.
“Norfolk State University served as the launching ground for everything I have done in life,” Mason said. “The educational experience was second to none and the opportunities to provide service to the local community helped me to understand the importance of giving back.
“My professors and coaches had a great impact on my life. The lessons taught are everlasting.”
In addition to students who will earn their college diplomas, NSU will present more than 50 masters and doctoral degrees to graduate-level students. Also during the ceremony, eight Army and two Navy ROTC students are expected to take their oath of commissioned officers for their respective military branches.