Kylie Kelce delivered the final undergraduate commencement speech at Cabrini University, her alma mater, in a ceremony filled with emotion and reflection, marking the end of an era for the institution.

### **Cabrini University Closure**

Cabrini University, located in Radnor, Pennsylvania, announced in June 2023 that it would close on June 30, 2024. The decision came as a result of declining enrollment and financial challenges, making the Class of 2024 the last to graduate from the 67-year-old Catholic university.

### **Kelce's Speech Highlights**

Kelce, a 2017 graduate of Cabrini, addressed the graduates with a heartfelt message, emphasizing that the legacy of Cabrini will endure despite the physical closing of the school. She highlighted the lasting impact of the university on its students and alumni.

"Know that your home still exists," the 32-year-old said at the ceremony, which was live-streamed on Cabrini's YouTube channel on Sunday. "It is around you, living inside of everyone who came along and fell in love with this place because although it is picturesque, it is not the campus that makes it so hard to leave."

### **Reflections on Personal Journey**

In her speech, Kelce reflected on her years at Cabrini, where she transferred after starting her college education at Montgomery County Community College. She reminisced about the vibrant campus life and the supportive community that defined her experience.

Kelce reassured the graduates that uncertainty about the future is common, despite what others might imply. "Everyone's first question after graduation is 'What's next?' 'I don't know' can be an honest and sufficient answer," she said. "The truth is that no one has their lives completely figured out and if someone tells you otherwise, they are lying. This is part of the beauty of growing older and wiser."

### **Family and Parenting Insights**

Kelce also spoke candidly about her family life, underscoring that she herself hasn't figured out everything as a mother of three. She has been married to retired NFL star Jason Kelce, who is joining ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown," since 2018. The couple celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in April 2024 and share three children—daughters Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett.

"Every day, we are winging it, just trying not to mess our kids up," Kelce said. "Come to find out, that's what our parents did too. I am not trying to ruin the mirage that is parenting but I really want you to understand that with determination and a little potentially unjustified confidence, you can get through the time of uncertainty."

### **Cabrini Experience and Achievements**

Kelce earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Cabrini and was a four-year starter for the university's women's field hockey team. She was also actively involved in campus life, writing for the college newspaper, hosting a radio show, and serving as a resident assistant. Her involvement in these activities helped shape her leadership skills and prepared her for her post-college career and life.

### **Legacy of Cabrini University**

Founded in 1957, Cabrini University offered a range of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional programs. It built a reputation for fostering a tight-knit community and providing a personalized educational experience. Despite its closure, the university's impact on its students and alumni will continue through their achievements and memories.

Students who didn't graduate from Cabrini this semester have been given the option to continue their studies at one of four partner institutions: Eastern University, Gwynedd Mercy University, Holy Family University, and Ursinus College. These partnerships ensure that Cabrini students can complete their education without significant disruption.

### **Final Commencement Ceremony**

The final commencement ceremony was a bittersweet event, filled with pride for the graduates and nostalgia for the university's rich history. Faculty, staff, and alumni came together to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024 and to honor the legacy of Cabrini University.

Kelce’s speech resonated deeply with the audience, encapsulating the essence of Cabrini's community spirit and the enduring bonds formed there. Her words offered comfort and inspiration, reminding everyone that while the physical campus may close, the connections and experiences will live on in the hearts of its graduates.

### **Conclusion**

Kylie Kelce's commencement address was a fitting tribute to Cabrini University and its final graduating class. Her reflections on personal growth, the uncertainty of the future, and the enduring legacy of Cabrini provided a poignant and uplifting message for the graduates as they embark on their next chapters. As Cabrini University closes its doors, its spirit and influence will continue to thrive through its alumni and the lasting impact it has had on their lives.