ESPN television personality Sage Steele to speak at May 9 commencement ceremony at IU
Editor's note: This story from The Bloomington Herald-Times is being published here as a courtesy for readers of IU in the News.
By Megan Banta
Sports television personality and Indiana University alumna Sage Steele will speak at the university's undergraduate commencement ceremony May 9.
Steele, currently the host of "NBA Countdown" and a contributor to ESPN's coverage of major NBA games, graduated from the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1995.
Since graduating 20 years ago, Steele has "steadily risen to become one of the most talented, knowledgeable and respected television presenters working today" and seen success that "reflects her passion for reporting and broadcasting of the highest quality," said IU president Michael McRobbie in a news release.
"We are delighted that she has agreed to return, once again, to her alma mater," McRobbie said, "and we have no doubt that the university's newest graduates will greatly benefit from hearing her share her impressive story and unique experiences.”
Steele, who has returned to her alma mater frequently in recent years to receive awards and participate in events, credits her success in achieving her dreams to Indiana University.
"Being invited to be the commencement speaker exactly 20 years after receiving my diploma from IU is the greatest honor I have ever received," she said. "I look forward to an amazing return 'home' to be part of such a wonderful, important day for these graduates."
Undergraduate commencement will begin at 10 a.m. outdoors at IU Memorial Stadium, with doors opening at 8 a.m. and procession beginning at 8:45 a.m. There are no tickets and generally no reserved seats for the ceremony.
For those who can't attend in person, the ceremonies will be streamed live at broadcast.iu.edu and will be archived for viewing along with past commencement ceremonies.