Jun 16, 2008 -- The Yeshiva University community mourns the passing of journalist Tim Russert, moderator of the influential Sunday morning talk show “Meet the Press,” who passed away on Friday, June 13. Russert was an honorary alumnus of Yeshiva University, who received an honorary degree when he was the Commencement speaker in 2007. “Our community is saddened by the untimely death of a good and decent man, whose graciousness enhanced Yeshiva University,” said President Richard M. Joel. “In several conversations with him prior to Commencement, he resonated with Yeshiva’s mission; he crafted his address to reflect our distinct values and mission, which he felt were so compatible with his sensibilities. He struck all of us as warm, real, gracious, and generous.” Russert was thrilled to learn about YU’s varsity baseball team, and asked for a team cap, which he donned at the end of his graduation speech, shouting “Go Maccabees!” The university sends its condolences to his wife, Maureen; his son, Luke, who just graduated from Boston College; and his father, Big Russ. “Our world needs people of goodness, excellence, and integrity. We are diminished by his death,” said President Joel. Read excerpts from Tim Russert's Commencement speech at Yehiva University in 2007.