The Tulane University School of Liberal Arts will honor acclaimed political journalist and Tulane alumna Ali Vitali with the Distinguished Alumni Award at its 2026 Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 15, at 5 p.m.
Vitali, host of Way Too Early with Ali Vitali on MS NOW and the network’s senior Capitol Hill reporter, will also deliver a graduation address speech reflecting on her time at Tulane, her path through the fast-moving world of national political reporting, and lessons for graduating seniors preparing to navigate their own careers.
A proud graduate of Tulane University, Vitali has spent the past decade at the center of American political journalism, covering Congress, the White House, and three presidential election cycles. Known for her sharp reporting and ability to translate complex policy into compelling narratives, she has interviewed top leaders across the political spectrum and reported on defining moments in recent U.S. history, from leadership battles in Congress to the evolving dynamics of presidential campaigns.
A native of New York, Vitali’s journey as a reporter began in New Orleans, where her time at Tulane helped shape both her intellectual curiosity and her professional trajectory. As a student, Vitali developed the storytelling instincts and political awareness that would later define her career, embracing opportunities to engage deeply with current events and public discourse. Those formative experiences continue to inform her work today, grounding her reporting in both rigor and relatability. “Tulane is where I learned not just how to ask questions, but how to listen for the stories behind the answers,” said Vitali. “Some of my earliest moments of realizing the power of storytelling happened right here in New Orleans. That’s something I’ve carried with me from campus to the campaign trail to Capitol Hill.”
In addition to her on-air work, Vitali is the author of Electable: Why America Hasn’t Put a Woman in the White House…Yet, a book that draws from her experience on the campaign trail and examines the structural and cultural challenges facing female presidential candidates.
Dean Brian T. Edwards of the School of Liberal Arts praised Vitali’s achievements and her continued connection to the Tulane community.
“Ali Vitali provides a wonderful example of the power of a liberal arts education,” said Edwards. “A double major in political science and communication, with a minor in English, she brings together a passion for narrative and a commitment to informing the public. National politics is a tumultuous terrain; and we have been inspired by how she navigates this dynamic landscape. The Class of 2026 is intimately familiar with a rapidly changing and unpredictable world, and so I am delighted to welcome her back to campus to honor her as a Distinguished Alumna. I am confident that she will inspire our graduates at a pivotal moment in their own lives.”
- Join the livestream on May 15, 2026 at 5pm (cst) to watch Ali Vitali's commencement address live.
- Learn more about the SLA Distinguished Alumni Award and view past recipients.