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Category: Commencement

Humans of the U: Hollie Morales

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“I never fathomed that I’d become a widow at 34, left to raise my four children alone, the oldest 15, the baby 2. Medulloblastoma was supposed to be a pediatric brain tumor, so how could it put a 36-year-old man in the grave in just eight months? It felt like déjà vu. My daddy died from glioblastoma brain cancer when I was 20 …. But I’m not going to tell you a sob story. I started school at 35 determined to make a difference in the world of cancer and this fall, I’ll embark upon my next quest—a Ph.D. in oncological sciences studying brain cancer here at the U. If I am able to make a difference in just one life all the years of studying, sleepless nights and sacrificing a social life will be worth it.”

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April 23, 2019

Humans of the U: Sophie Wu

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“Coming to Utah let me believe that age and gender will never be a barrier to success. With my deepest gratitude, I humbly share this thought with you: If you believe something is right to do, just do it. When you truly want a thing for better, the whole world will stay united to help you make it come true. Nothing will prevent you from moving further.”

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April 19, 2019

Humans of the U: Gavin Yehle

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“I first performed at the U’s Babcock Theatre when I was in 4th grade when I was cast as one of the leads for our school play. As a young person pursuing acting, it was something really valuable to have that experience. That is when—as they say—I caught the theater bug.”

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April 14, 2019

Humans of the U: Collins Kabaira

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“There were days where I didn’t think I was going to make it, days when I couldn’t pay to go to school or didn’t have enough money and I couldn’t afford a meal. I kept believing, even in those dark times, that if you just keep pushing eventually those little pushes will compound to a big effect. Just keep going even when it doesn’t look like there’s light.”

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March 29, 2019

DRAINING BUCKETS

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Former high school teacher, basketball coach and Jazz season-ticket holder suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2014, but got a big assist from the U’s Commencement 2018 speaker Ben Nemtin, who has made a career of fulfilling “bucket list” dreams, and received roundball treatment fit for an all-star.

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May 25, 2018