In her decades-long and successful career, Susie Gharib has earned numerous accolades, including three Gracie Allen Awards, two Front Page Awards and the Elliot V. Bell Award for outstanding contributions to financial journalism.
But what she values most are the stories behind them.
An award-winning business journalist and Case Western Reserve University alumna, Gharib will return to her alma mater to address and inspire graduates at the university’s 2025 convocation ceremony in May.
“It is an incredible honor to come home to Case Western Reserve, the institution that laid the foundation for my career,” said Gharib, a Cleveland Heights native. “CWRU instilled in me a deep curiosity and an ability to translate complex topics into compelling narratives—skills that have guided me throughout my journey in journalism.”
Gharib, a magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of CWRU, is widely recognized as one of the most respected voices in business news. As Senior Special Correspondent for Fortune she’s interviewed many of the world’s most influential CEOs and financial leaders, providing insight into market trends, corporate strategy and economic policy. She also co-anchored PBS’s Nightly Business Report for more than 16 years, helping to shape financial journalism into the engaging, must-watch format it is today.
Gharib began her reporting career at The Plain Dealer in Cleveland before moving on to work for prestigious news outlets including CNBC, NBC and ABC.
Reflecting on her career, Gharib highlighted interviews with sitting Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, covering 9/11 and its aftermath and ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange (a few times) as among the most memorable moments in her career.
“I’ve had the privilege of a front-row seat to history not just at the White House but in conversations with business leaders and entrepreneurs who have reshaped industries ,” Gharib said. “Interviewing visionaries like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Mary Barra has given me incredible insight into leadership and innovation. I’m especially proud of the stories that captured the resilience and reinvention of the Wall Street community post-9/11.”
Beyond her journalism career, Gharib has remained deeply connected to her alma mater. She served 18 years on the CWRU Board of Trustees and is currently Trustee Emerita. Her philanthropic contributions include endowing a lectureship that has brought distinguished journalists to campus. She’s also held trustee positions with Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and The Economic Club of New York.
“Susie Gharib’s career is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance and a commitment to telling important stories,” Case Western Reserve President Eric W. Kaler said. “We appreciate her continued support for Case Western Reserve University, and we are thrilled to welcome her back to campus and to her hometown of Cleveland. Susie’s vast professional experience, coupled with her keen insights, will inspire the next generation of leaders.
Gharib fondly recalls her time at Case Western Reserve, especially her work on the student newspaper, The Observer, during a turbulent era marked by the Vietnam War and the May 4 shootings at Kent State University.
“Being part of the stories that shaped society was an incredible experience,” she said. “Those years taught me the importance of empathy, resilience and asking tough questions with kindness—traits that have stayed with me throughout my career.”
Gharib said she plans to share some lessons from her career, including sage advice from former General Electric CEO Jack Welch.
“He told me that in job interviews he doesn’t ask people about their successes, but instead he wants to know about their failures and how they recovered from setbacks,” she recalled. “I’ve found the most successful people learn more from their failures than they do success. It shows a lot about character and determination.”
The 2025 convocation ceremony will be held at the Veale Convocation Center at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. All faculty, staff, postdocs and students are invited to celebrate the 2025 CWRU graduates that day beginning with the procession through Case Quad for the third annual university-wide clap-out as students proceed to convocation. Everyone is encouraged to attend the ceremony followed by a gathering on Freiberger Field for food, fun and music at the Spartan Send-off Barbecue.