ESPN broadcaster and University of Utah alum Holly Rowe will be the keynote speaker at the school’s 2025 graduation ceremony.
“We are proud to have Holly Rowe, one of the university’s best-known alums and one of my favorite ESPN journalists, serve as our 2025 Commencement speaker,” U. President Taylor Randall said in a news release Tuesday. “Holly has the unique life experience and an exciting job that will inspire our students to dream big.”
Rowe has worked for ESPN since 1995, becoming a fixture at some of the country’s biggest sporting events, including the College Football Playoff Championship, the Women’s Final Four and the WNBA Finals. In recent years, she has also worked for the Utah Jazz.
“Holly Rowe worked for decades to change the script and add her voice to sports commentary,” Randall added. “She is an incredible example of resilience and determination.”
Rowe graduated from Utah with a communications degree in 1991.
“The University of Utah was essential for me to launch a successful life and career,” she said. “I look forward to sharing the lessons I have learned as a sports commentator on grit, hard work and resilience … touching on the lessons I have learned along the way from some of the best athletes and leaders in America. This is a huge honor for me.”
The U.’s commencement ceremony is scheduled for May 1 at 6 p.m. at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
