Distinguished Alumni Holly Rowe to Speak at 2025 Convocation

Holly Rowe, ESPN sports journalist and University of Utah alumna, will be recognized with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. She will deliver the Distinguished Alumni speech at the College of Humanities Convocation in addition to the keynote address at the University of Utah’s campus-wide commencement. “Holly Rowe exemplifies the spirit of our alumni through her dedication, passion, and outstanding achievements in the field of journalism. We are thrilled to honor her as this year's Distinguished Alumni and look forward to her inspiring words at the ceremonies. Her story is a testament to the impact our alumni have on the world," shared Morgan Stinson, Director of Advancement for the College of Humanities.  

Rowe has previously spoken at the College of Humanities. In 2024, she gave the Parry D. Sorenson Distinguished Lecture, titled “Working with Joy and Passion: Keys to a Successful Career” to a standing room only audience. While on campus for this lecture, she also hosted a workshop with students, answering their questions and sharing meaningful career advice.  

As a broadcast journalism major in the Department of Communication (class of 1991), Rowe worked in student journalism as a sportswriter for the Daily Utah Chronicle and anchored the campus TV station news. She has since gone on to a celebrated 20-year career as one of ESPN’s most versatile commentators, garnering two Emmy nominations and one Emmy award as well as the 2023 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Curt Gowdy Award. Rowe made Utah Jazz history in October 2021 as the team's first female commentator in a game against the Sacramento Kings.

While traveling the country covering the top sports beats, Holly is also dedicated to service as the founder of Joy+US. She created this nonprofit to spark joy in the lives of those who need it most. After a Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma diagnosis, Rowe has become a tireless advocate for cancer research and prevention. Joy has kept her going through the most difficult times in life. Now, she works to create that same feeling for others.

Avery Holton, professor and chair of the Department of Communication, is looking forward to Rowe’s keynote. “Enrollment in our Communication major has reached record numbers, especially for our strategic communication and journalism emphases. As we continue to grow, it’s important for us to showcase the many pathways students can take with their degrees,” says Holton.  “Holly is inspirational on so many levels, and she continues to find ways to encourage students to discover their strengths and forge their best paths forward.”

Rowe will be presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award during the College of Humanities Convocation at 8:00 am on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.