Holly Rowe, a long-time ESPN commentator and U alum, addressed the U’s class of 2025 at a ceremony on May 1.
Shortly after the University of Utah’s 2025 commencement speaker, Holly Rowe, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer, her doctor kindly suggested she focus on how she spent her time.
The long-time ESPN commentator and U alum knew this was a gentle way of saying he didn’t know how long she would live. That day, she sat on her couch, closed her eyes and envisioned her perfect day.
“I tried to imagine what my day or month or week would look like if I was going to die soon,” Rowe said. “And I realized that I was living like that already. I would not change a thing.”
Rowe spoke at the 156th General Commencement on Thursday, May 1, at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The ceremony honored 8,908 graduates, the largest class in the U’s history. While Rowe was excited to return to her alma mater, she noted she was a little nervous because, due to excessive U parking tickets, she had been on a payment plan for many years post-college.
“Now I’m really freaking out because now they know where I am,” Rowe said.
A self-described “mediocre” student, Rowe always knew she wanted to be a sportscaster. While at the U, she carefully chose college courses to prepare her for her goal. However, when she graduated in 1991, she discovered that though there were many opportunities in her field, none were available for recent graduates. Determined to find a path, she interned everywhere and earned the opportunities she wanted by volunteering to do the work others did not want to do.
“You’ll have to earn your opportunities,” Rowe said. “But you can all get your dream jobs. It’s just going to take you a minute.”
Beyond volunteering for tasks, Rowe also created opportunities for herself. Shortly after graduation, she realized women’s sports were not broadcast in Utah. With the help of mentors, Rowe bought radio air time and sold the ads needed to broadcast a Utah vs. BYU women’s basketball game.
“Some of that was selfish because I wanted to be the announcer,” Rowe said. “But I created that opportunity for myself, and in doing that, I helped to lift women’s sports to new heights.”
Holly Rowe was honored with a custom U jersey featuring her last name and year of graduation following her commencement address on May 1, 2025.
A few years after that, Rowe was working at BYU TV when she saw that there was no sideline reporter for ABC’s broadcast of the BYU vs. Utah football game that week. Rowe called the producer and volunteered for the role. They said yes, so she kept calling. It was this dedication and skill that led to ESPN hiring her.
“Thirty years later, I am still working for ESPN,” Rowe said. “I want you to have that same courage and that same attitude. Believe in yourself and be reckless with your confidence.”
Confidence, Rowe says, is what allows her to live a “big, beautiful, bold” life. She encouraged graduates to not only take the time to imagine their version of that life, but also ensure that continual learning is part of their plan.
“Find people with diverse processes and ideas who can broaden your life view,” Rowe said. “Diversity is our greatest teacher and I want you all to embrace it.”
Following Rowe’s speech, U President Taylor Randall presented her with a custom University of Utah jersey featuring her last name and year of graduation.
“Holly, we loved hearing about your tenacity,” he said. “Your story reminds us that when we have a dream in mind and the willingness to act, not even parking tickets can get in the way.”
Watch Rowe’s speech and the entirety of commencement here.
In addition to speaking at the General Commencement ceremony, Rowe also attended and spoke at the College of Humanities Distinguished Alumni luncheon, where she received the college’s Distinguished Alumni Award, and spoke at the College of Humanities convocation ceremony.
Tracie Yellowman Tséyíníítsó, a proud Diné Bit’ah’nÍÍ woman and health education and promotion graduate, was the 2025 University of Utah student commencement speaker.
Highlights:
- Tracie Yellowman Tséyíníítsó was this year’s student speaker. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren visited with Yellowman Tséyíníítsó before commencement and also attended the ceremony. According to Nygren, Yellowman Tséyíníítsó is the first Navajo graduate to speak at a major university’s commencement ceremony. Watch the entirety of her speech here.
- Henry S. White, a world-renowned leader in the field of electrochemistry and distinguished professor of chemistry, received the 2025 University of Utah’s Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence. Read more here.
- Watch President Randall highlight members of the Class of 2025 here.
- Watch the college dean callouts to graduates here.