By: Jordan Beaudoin I Published: May 5, 2025
Kean University finally announced its commencement speaker for this year’s 2025 graduation ceremony. This year, the university will welcome Laurie Hernandez, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and New Jersey Native.
Hernandez, of Old Bridge, has achieved a lifetime of accomplishments. She is an American gymnast and gold medalist. She has had expressive performances during her competitions over the years. She gained national attention in 2016 when she was in the Rio Olympics as a member of the “Final Five,” the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. She helped the team win gold all around and earned her own silver medal on the balance beam.
She is also known for her work in television and entertainment, appearing on shows such as Dancing with the Stars and co-hosting American Ninja Warrior. Her appearances in the Olympics and on television have made her a standout favorite among many fans
She has also pushed for literary greatness in everyone and wrote two books, I Got This: To Gold and Beyond, and She’s Got This.
The university president is looking forward to having this New Jersey native return to the area as this year’s speaker.
“Laurie Hernandez embodies the unwavering determination and tenacious spirit we cultivate at Kean University, said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
“Her extraordinary achievements on the Olympic stage and groundbreaking role as a trailblazer in gymnastics make her a powerful testament to what’s possible for our graduates. We are confident her authentic message will deeply resonate with the Class of 2025 and their families, igniting the spark for their remarkable journeys ahead.” He also added.
Almost 3,500 students will graduate in the combined graduate and undergraduate ceremony this year. The college is starting a new tradition this coming year.
The college graduation will occur at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, in Newark, New Jersey, at the Prudential Center.