RIP Robert Novak

Robert Novak is known as the longtime DC columnist and journalist however he's also a graduate of my alma mater, the University of Illinois, and in fact made my commencement address at my graduation. He passed away this morning.

Robert D. Novak, the legendary Washington columnist who valued reporting over punditry, died at his Washington home early Tuesday morning, his publishers said. The pugnacious conservative, who relished his nickname of "The Prince of Darkness," was 78 and had given up his column to battle brain cancer.

May he rest in peace.