Olympic Medalist and New Jersey Native Laurie Hernandez Named 2025 Kean University Commencement Speaker

Olympic gymnast and two-time medalist Laurie Hernandez will deliver Kean University’s 2025 Commencement address to thousands of graduates and their guests next month during a ceremony at the Prudential Center in Newark. 

Hernandez, 24, a member of the powerhouse 2016 U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastics team, and the first U.S.-born Latina to make the team in over 30 years, will share her story of perseverance, overcoming adversity and staying true to herself when she addresses the Kean University Class of 2025 on Tuesday, May 13. 

"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 own remarkable journeys ahead." 

Nearly 3,500 students will graduate from Kean this year. The 2025 Commencement marks a new tradition for the University as it will be the first joint ceremony recognizing both undergraduate and graduate students together in a single ceremony. 

Hernandez’s appearance brings her back to her New Jersey roots. Born in New Brunswick, she grew up in Old Bridge, where she began her gymnastics training at a young age. Over the years, she has spoken of her fondness for the Garden State and its distinctive character and authenticity. 

Hernandez won a gold medal in the women’s team gymnastics event and a silver on the balance beam at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Since then, she has authored two New York Times bestsellers: I Got This: To Gold and Beyond and She’s Got This, a children’s picture book. In addition to her work as an author and athlete, she has served as a Literacy Champion, advocating for reading as a powerful pathway to leadership, and has been attending the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where she is pursuing a degree in drama. She is a passionate advocate for mental health, confidence, and resilience. 

Hernandez is also known for her work in television and entertainment. She won Dancing with the Stars and co-hosted American Ninja Warrior Junior. She also has her own Mattel “Shero” Barbie created in her honor. As a gymnastics analyst for NBC, she provided expert commentary for the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.