Behind The Scenes

ESPN commentators share their wisdom via commencement addresses

SportsCenter anchor Lindsay Czarniak will be the commencement speaker today at James Madison University ; NBA Countdown host Sage Steele will be the commencement speaker Saturday at Indiana University. (Photo courtesy Lindsay Czarniak ; Indiana University)
SportsCenter anchor Lindsay Czarniak will be the commencement speaker today at James Madison University; NBA Countdown host Sage Steele will be the commencement speaker Saturday at Indiana University. (Photo courtesy Lindsay Czarniak; Indiana University)
ESPN’s 2015 Commencement Speakers

Anchor Lindsay Czarniak: James Madison University, today
Anchor Kevin Negandhi: Temple University, today
Host Paul Finebaum: Ole Miss Law School, May 9
Reporter Marty Smith: Radford University, May 9
Host Sage Steele: Indiana University, May 9
Anchor Darren Haynes: World Journalism Preparatory School, June 25

Several ESPN commentators have the honor this spring of giving commencement speeches to schools across the land, including SportsCenter anchor Lindsay Czarniak (today at James Madison University, her alma mater) and NBA Countdown host Sage Steele (Saturday at Indiana University, her alma mater).

What’s it like to be back on the old stomping grounds, bolder and wiser?

“I think I am still in shock that I was asked to be the commencement speaker at my alma mater,” said Steele, class of 1995. “I have been fortunate enough to do some pretty amazing things in my career since graduating 20 years ago, but this is something I never could have imagined, and it means more to me than any honor I could receive.

“Because of that, I have spent a lot of time watching a variety of other commencement speeches and have come to the conclusion that there is no ‘right way’ to do this. So, my plan is to share a small part of my journey and offer a few bits of advice in hopes that these students can do it bigger and better than I have! One thing I do know is that I will have to take some deep yoga breaths as I walk onto that stage. . . .This will be an absolutely surreal experience! Can’t wait!”

Said Czarniak, class of 2000: “I am back on campus now and I’m so excited to talk to this graduating class. I miss being a student here. I am planning on sharing thoughts on my time here but mostly about how my experiences after college can help them avoid mistakes along the way. Go Dukes!”

Dan Quinn and Gianina Thompson contributed to this post.

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