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Alumna Deborah Norville (left), with Delta Delta Delta sorority sister Ina Hopkins at the Centennial Grady Gala at The Classic Center on Thursday. Norville, a co-host for the event, graduated in 1979.

Alumna comes home, broadcasts TV show

Anchor remembers home

By: ANGELA DASHER

Posted: 11/21/08

The University's North Campus was the stage for a taping of "Inside Edition," with an alumna hosting the show Thursday.

"It's great to be back," said Deborah Norville, a graduate of the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. "Do you remember the scene in the Wizard of Oz where she is kicking her heels and repeating 'There's no place like home?' Athens is my Kansas. When I come back, there is always a wonderful feeling of comfort."

Though the reason for Norville's return was to co-host Grady College's Centennial Gala, which took place after the taping, she still was able to visit her college favorites: The Varsity, Five Points and her sorority's house (Delta Delta Delta). But, she said North Campus tops her list.

"This is where I did my strategizing and thinking," said Norville. "Looking back, it's somewhat ironic that journalistic writing intimidated me and I almost didn't major in journalism. Grady gave me a career."

Norville contributes much of her success to being involved in University clubs, in addition to reporting for WAGA-TV in Atlanta. She has held positions on shows such as 48 Hours, CBS Evening News, and NBC's Today.

In 1995, Norville joined the award-winning "Inside Edition" team as an anchor. Premiering in the 1988-89 season, the show has kept the American public updated on the latest news.

A two-time Emmy Award winner, Norville remembers where she comes from and the need to pursue every opportunity to learn.

"Take advantage of every opportunity college has to offer, and don't worry about your GPA. It's not about that. It's about what you learn and soak-in that matters," Norville said.