It’s time to celebrate the University of Utah’s Class of 2025! As the U commemorates its 175th anniversary this year, commencement provides a tangible example of the university’s unsurpassed impact on the state.
“For more than a century and a half, the U has served as the state’s flagship university,” said Taylor Randall, U president. “We were one of the first universities in the American West, and ever since, our students have gone on to make their mark not only on Utah but the world. We are still climbing! We are an engine of impact. You are that impact.”
The 156th General Commencement will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. In-person college convocations will be held in the Garff Building, Huntsman Center, Kingsbury Hall and Union Building on May 1-3. The Colleges of Law and Pharmacy will hold their ceremonies on May 9, and the Schools of Dentistry and Medicine will hold theirs on May 16.
“Graduates, each of you sacrificed, served and succeeded during your time here,” Randall said. “Despite the challenges you have faced, I have seen you remain resilient and optimistic about your future. Your creativity, innovative spirit and entrepreneurialism are inspiring. I am filled with hope as I watch you go forward to make the world better for us all.”
Tracie Yellowman Tséyíníítsó, a proud Diné Bit’ah’nÍÍ woman who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education and Promotion, is this year’s student commencement speaker. A non-traditional student, Yellowman Tséyíníítsó’s educational journey took many unexpected steps. Though she completed her associate degree directly after high school, she had to pause her bachelor’s studies due to unforeseen circumstances.
Tracie Yellowman Tséyíníítsó is this year’s student speaker.
“Walking into my first classroom here at the University of Utah after my long academic break was intimidating,” she said. “But I remembered something of my ancestors: we are equipped with the tools to endure, adapt and the courage to overcome. There, I adjusted my invisible quiver and bow, and I accepted that challenge.”
Yellowman Tséyíníítsó’s goal is to use her education to serve her Native American community. This fall, she will begin the U’s Master of Public Health program.
“I’m craving more information I can use to help my own Native American people, to ensure that I can help create a good environment for the health and future of our children,” she said. “The understanding and support from my husband, children and relatives encourage me to continue this momentum.
Read more student stories from the Class of 2025 here.
“There’s something incredibly moving about seeing our students come together to celebrate everything they’ve poured into their time at the U,” said Lori McDonald, vice president for Student Affairs. “This moment represents their story—the obstacles they’ve overcome, the communities they’ve built, and the growth they’ve experienced along the way. We can’t wait to see the meaningful impact they’ll have in the world.”
Holly Rowe, longtime ESPN commentator and University of Utah alum, will be this year’s keynote commencement speaker. Rowe is the first woman to speak at the General Commencement in several years and follows university impact scholars and corporate executives in the role. In 2024, Rowe delivered the College of Humanities’ 2024 Parry D. Sorensen Distinguished Lecture—“Working with Joy and Passion: Keys to a Successful Career.”
A self-described “mediocre” student, Rowe always knew she wanted to be a sportscaster. Though she carefully chose college courses to prepare her for the role, she discovered that while there were many opportunities in her field, none were available for recent graduates. Determined to find a path, she earned the opportunities she wanted by volunteering to do the work others did not want to do.
“Very few of you will be handed your dream job,” Rowe said. “But the most important thing you can do today, this week, is to sit down and really envision the life you want and what steps will be required to create it.”
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By the numbers
Students in the Class of 2025 represent 27 Utah counties, 53 U.S. states and territories and 70 foreign countries.
- 8,908 graduates
- 9,598 degrees (some graduates receive more than one degree); 6,302 bachelor’s degrees; 2,309 master’s degrees; 680 doctoral degrees; 93 juris doctors; 130 doctors of medicine; 81 doctors of nursing practice; 35 doctors of pharmacy; and 49 doctors of dentistry
- 4,366 self-identified men, 4,483 self-identified women and 59 nonbinary/unidentified
- 3.494 is the average undergraduate grade point average
- 24 is the average age of bachelor’s degree recipients; the youngest graduating undergraduate is 18, the oldest is 63
- 31 is the average age of students receiving graduate degrees; the youngest is 21 and the oldest is 71
- The top 10 undergraduate majors are: psychology, computer science, communication, health/kinesiology, biology, finance, nursing, games, marketing and economics
- 258 graduates are receiving honors degrees
- 316 veterans are receiving degrees
Speakers
- President Taylor Randall will officiate
- Student speaker: Tracie Yellowman Tséyíníítsó, who is graduating with a degree in community health education and promotion
- Keynote speaker: Holly Rowe, longtime ESPN commentator and University of Utah alum.
Special awards
- Honorary doctoral degrees will be presented to I. King Jordan, Julie A. Lassonde, Cecil O. Samuelson and Linda C. Smith.
- The Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence, a $50,000 cash award and the most prestigious honor the university bestows on its faculty, will be announced separately.
- Faculty receiving special awards will be recognized in a video during the commencement ceremony.
Schedule for college convocations
- In-person college convocations will be held May 1-3, 2023.