Rudy Gobert Congratulates University Of Utah Graduates
May 1, 2020, 10:30 PM
Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 01, 2019 in Sacramento, California.(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – University of Utah students who couldn’t attend graduation in person got a special message from Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert. The Jazz big man congratulated the University of Utah graduates while understanding the difficulty of celebrating from home.
Gobert appeared on the University of Utah’s official twitter account for the ceremony.
“Just a little message to say congratulations to all of you for graduating,” Gobert said. “We know its probably not the some from home, but the accomplishment is still the same. I am sure all have a bright future ahead of you, so stay positive, enjoy, and congrats again.”
Thanks to the Stifle Tower, @rudygobert27, for this shoutout to the Class of 2020! #UtahGrad20 🎓 pic.twitter.com/kb0rkiPcK6
— University of Utah (@UUtah) May 1, 2020
Fellow Athletes Congratulate University of Utah Graduates
The school held its first-ever virtual graduation ceremony due to the coronavirus pandemic. Gobert wasn’t the professional athlete to make an appearance on the twitter feed. Former Utah quarterback great Alex Smith appeared on twitter to congratulate the University of Utah graduates.
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“Congratulations to the University of Utah Class of 2020,” Smith said. “I wish we could all be in Salt Lake City right now, packed inside the Huntsman Center, ready to watch you guys flip your tassels and throw your graduation caps in the air. I know that this video can’t replace that, this was supposed to be your time.”
Since becoming a University of Utah graduation, Smith has gone on to a long and productive NFL career. However, recently Smith has been rehabbing from a serious leg injury that has sidelined him from his gig in the NFL.
A message from alum Alex Smith to the Class of 2020. #UtahGrad20 🎓
You can watch Alex's address to the University of Utah Class of 2014 here: https://t.co/LvlGKvje0b pic.twitter.com/iXflhSrtqF
— University of Utah (@UUtah) April 30, 2020
“These crazy times shouldn’t stop us from recognizing this achievement.” Smith said, “You guys have put in so much work to get here. All those late nights studying. Countless hours in lecture halls and libraries … Cheers to you, Class of 2020.”
John Warnock, who holds three degrees as a graduate of the University of Utah, delivered the school’s commencement speech. Soon after graduating, Warnock would go onto co-found software giant Adobe after his time at the university.
Gobert Understands Graduates Struggles
Gobert is uniquely qualified to speak to the graduates stuck at home during the coronavirus outbreak. The Jazz star became the face of the virus after testing positive for COVID-19 in Oklahoma City. As a result of the test, the Jazz and Thunder matchup was postponed. Shortly after, the NBA suspended the entire season.
Jazz vs. Thunder game postponed announcement: pic.twitter.com/c0k9jHmDXh
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) March 12, 2020
Gobert is an advocate for coronavirus awareness. The Jazz center has appeared in several viral videos asking fans to take the dangers seriously. Additionally, Gobert donated $500,000 to help families suffering from COVID-19 related issues
