Kylie Kelce returned to Cabrini University, her alma mater, to deliver the commencement address as the institution celebrated its final graduating class before closing its doors after 67 years.
Cabrini University, located in Radnor, PA, announced last June that it would cease operations after the 2023-2024 academic year and sell its campus to nearby Villanova University. Kylie, who graduated in 2017 with a degree in communications, humorously remarked in her speech to the class of 2024 that the university “couldn’t even get a top five Kelce” to speak, referring to her famously accomplished family.
During her address, she joked about the high expectations set by her husband, Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce, known for his impactful speeches. “My husband, Jason Kelce, is known for giving some pretty earth-shattering speeches,” she said. “He did not help me in writing my words today, so you can go ahead and lower those expectations.”
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Kylie, a former field hockey player at Cabrini who achieved All-CSAC First Team and ECAC South All-Stars First Team honors, reflected on her preference to remain low-profile despite the public attention. She also addressed the daunting post-graduation question of “What’s next?” by reassuring the graduates that “I don’t know” is a perfectly acceptable answer and that uncertainty is a normal part of life.
“Now, as a 32-year-old mother of three, I find myself just trying not to mess up my kids too much, echoing what our parents probably felt,” Kylie shared, adding humor to her message about the relatability of parental challenges.
She encouraged the graduates to cherish their individuality, stating, “What a boring world it would be if everyone was the same. You are wonderful the way you are, and your unique qualities and enthusiasm can indeed create change.”
In a heartfelt conclusion, Kylie acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion, noting Cabrini’s closure and its impact on the community. “This was home and this was where you found your extended family,” she expressed. “Even as this chapter ends and the campus transitions, remember that the spirit of what you’ve built and experienced here will always be with you.”
