Donovan Mitchell to Give Keynote Address at University of Utah Graduation

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell accepted the opportunity to give the keynote address during the 2021 University of Utah graduation ceremonies

Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the hoop against the Cleveland Cavaliers

It was announced on Tuesday afternoon that Utah Jazz All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell will be giving the Keynote address at the University of Utah's 2021 Graduation Ceremony. The Graduation will include both 2020 and 2021 classes because of the Covid-19 pandemic cancelling graduation during 2020. 

University of Utah President Ruth Watkins spoke about Mitchell's selection as the keynote speaker when she said. “Donovan Mitchell is a favorite of basketball fans and our community because of his commitment to excellence, education and social justice,” She continued. “He shows by example what one person can do to influence the lives of countless others and how to step forward to advocate for change with grace and goodwill.”

Mitchell has been a public advocate of quality education since coming to Utah, and has grown up as the son of a teacher his whole life. Donovan's mom, Nicole, has been educating children for many years and has taught him the importance of good education.

“For me, the biggest thing was education. We’re at a place in the world where people aren’t as informed as they should be. And where do you learn? You learn in school," Mitchell said in an interview with NBA.com.

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