2025 Commencement Speaker
Holly Rowe
Holly Rowe, longtime ESPN commentator and University of Utah alum, will give the keynote
address for the U’s 2025 general campus-wide commencement.
U President Taylor Randall and Joe Boyden, president of the Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU), announced the commencement speaker at the Feb. 11 Board of Trustees meeting.
Rowe, is one of ABC/ESPN’s most versatile announcers, covering the College Football National Championship, the Women’s Final Four, WNBA Championship, Softball World Series and many more. 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.
“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,” Randall said. “Holly has the unique life experience and an exciting job that will inspire our students to dream big.”
The General Commencement is scheduled for Thursday, May 1 at 6 p.m. at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
“The University of Utah was essential for me to launch a successful life and career,” Rowe 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.”
In 2024, Rowe delivered the College of Humanities’ 2024 Parry D. Sorensen Distinguished Lecture—“Working with Joy and Passion: Keys to a Successful Career.”
Rowe won the 2022 Sports Emmy for Outstanding Personality/Reporter and was the 2022 recipient of the Mel Greenberg National Media Award from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). Rowe earned Emmy nominations in 2023 and 2024. And in 2021, Rowe made Utah Jazz history as the team’s first female color commentator in a game against the Sacramento Kings.
Rowe graduated from the U with a degree in communication in 1991. She has worked as
a sports reporter and anchor for outlets in Salt Lake City including KSL Radio, Fox
13 TV, KBYU TV, BYU Sports Network and KFNZ Radio. She graduated from the University
of Utah with a broadcast journalism degree. While at Utah, Rowe was a sportswriter
for the Daily Utah Chronicle and the Davis County Clipper and she anchored the campus
TV station news.
Currently in treatment for Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma, Rowe has become a tireless advocate for cancer research and prevention.
Randall noted Rowe is unique in her field of sports commentary, and a role model for anyone trying to buck conventional wisdom and the way things have always been done.
“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 follows two university impact scholars—Interfaith America founder Eboo Patel and UNITE founder Tim Shriver—as commencement speakers. Another Humanities graduate, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser, spoke at commencement in 2022.
2025 Student Speaker
Tracie Yellowman Tséyíníítsó
Tracie Yellowman Tséyíníítsó, a proud Diné Bit’ah’nÍÍ woman and the 2025 University
of Utah student commencement speaker, will carry the strength of her ancestors with
her on May 1 when she addresses the audience at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
“I come from a lineage of warriors, in particular my many times great-grandfather Hastíín K’aayéliii, whose resilience is instilled within me today and has given me the strength to survive and thrive in not only my everyday life but in my educational journey,” Yellowman Tséyíníítsó said. “That spirit is alive within me and guides me in every step I take.”
As a non-traditional student, Yellowman Tséyíníítsó’s educational journey took many unexpected steps. A foster care alumna from Díwóózhi Bíkóh’, Utah, she earned her associate degree immediately after high school at the local community college in Blanding, Utah. She then transferred to Utah State University to study engineering. Though she completed almost all of her coursework, she took a break due to unforeseen circumstances.
“My dad was in the industrial construction trade, so I started working for him, which led to my profession as a skilled pipe welder,” Yellowman Tséyíníítsó said.
During her break from higher education, Yellowman Tséyíníítsó continued to develop professionally while also starting a family and becoming deeply involved with the Native American Church of ÁshįįhbííTó, a Salt Lake City non-profit that provides support to Indigenous people across the state.
“We help Native people have access to traditional Native American ceremonies for healing and provide cultural education to our youth,” she said. “We also fundraise to support other organizations that tirelessly work to help our Native community, like Utah Native Foster Care.”
The more Yellowman Tséyíníítsó became involved in this work, the more important it became to her to continue giving back to her Native American community. She knew if she could go back to school, she’d study something that helped her continue that work.
A little over three years ago, Yellowman Tséyíníítsó’s life took a dramatic turn when she was hospitalized for two weeks with a blood infection that almost took her life. Doctors worried they’d have to amputate her arm, ending her pipe welding career.
Though they were able to save it, the recovery process was long and Yellowman Tséyíníítsó knew she needed something meaningful to fill her time. She decided to take online classes from USU, but as a part-time student, she didn’t qualify for any scholarships. When the U began offering the Native Student Scholarship for Indigenous students enrolled in full-time coursework, Yellowman Tséyíníítsó decided to enroll in the U to study health education and promotion.
“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.”
For Yellowman Tséyíníítsó, this challenge included adding not only coursework to her already busy life but an internship with the Utah Division of Indian Affairs and a practicum with Restoring Ancestral Winds Inc. as well.
“When I first heard about these requirements, I was worried about the time they would add to my degree,” Yellowman Tséyíníítsó said. “But as I have participated in these opportunities, I have learned so many key things that will help me do the work I want to do.”
During her time at the U, Yellowman Tséyíníítsó has been an Impact Scholar, a member of the Crimson Transfer Honor Society, a Dean’s List recipient and earned a 4.0 GPA. She hopes her dedication and accomplishments inspire her children and peers to reach their goals. She has applied for graduate school and plans to earn a Master of Public Health.
“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.
As Yellowman Tséyíníítsó approaches this exciting milestone, she says she can’t help but look around at her peers and feel so proud of what each one of them has done.
“We all come from different walks of life, yet together we have shown remarkable resilience, professionalism and brilliance,” she said. “You’ve inspired me, and I know that as we step out into the world, we will continue to inspire others.”
Hear more about Yellowman Tséyíníítsó’s experience at the General Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 1, at 6 p.m. in the Jon M. Huntsman Center.