TCU Schieffer School of Journalism’s own Bob Schieffer has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Broadcasters.

“For more than 50 years, Bob Schieffer has been an eyewitness to history’s biggest stories and respected as a preeminent journalist of his generation,” NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith said. “In recognition of his dedication and profound impact on journalism, we are proud to present him with the Distinguished Service Award.”

In the spring of 2005, the journalism school at TCU was named after Schieffer, a Fort Worth native. He graduated from the university in 1959, yet he continues to stay involved with his alma mater and the journalism school.

John Lumpkin, director of the Schieffer School of Journalism, said, “This is another indication of how special it is for our school to carry Bob Schieffer’s name.”

This year marks Schieffer’s 56th year as a reporter and his 44th year at CBS News, according to the NAB press release. He has covered all four major beats of the nation’s capital: the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department and Capitol Hill.

Last month, Schieffer was inducted to the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame.

“Not many people are that lucky. I thank the academy for this recognition and CBS for the opportunities they have given me over the past 44 years. Chasing down the news is still more fun than any job I can think of,” Schieffer told CBSNews.com.

Schieffer has served as the moderator of “Face the Nation,” CBS News’ Sunday public affairs broadcast, since 1991. He anchored the “CBS Evening News” from March 2005 to August 2006. He has also held the post as CBS News’ chief Washington correspondent since 1982.

Schieffer will accept the award at the opening keynote session of the 2013 NAB Show on April 8 in Las Vegas.