CNN anchor Brooke Baldwin gives UNC graduation speech

Posted May 16, 2017
Brooke Baldwin, a CNN anchor and 2001 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill’s journalism school, told thousands of brand new Tar Heel alumni Sunday that it’s OK if they don’t have the next steps in their lives neatly planned and ready to go. “Learn your worth,” Baldwin said as she gave the Class of 2017’s commencement speech. “Dream. And never forget where you came from.” (Durham Herald-Sun)

Related: Campus Connections

UNC student reflects on overcoming two bouts of cancer
Days away from his 25th birthday, Derrin Mallory is set to mark another major milestone this year. 2025 marks ten years since he first heard...
Sun Jan 11, 2026

Educator, Historian and UNC Statistician Freddie Kiger Inducted Into Order of Longleaf Pine
A Chapel Hill institution and longtime community contributor was recent recognized with the highest civilian honor in North Carolina. Members of the East Chapel Hill...
Sat Jan 10, 2026

90-year-old Triad neurosurgeon ‘finally’ earns UNC undergraduate degree
Dr. David L. Kelly Jr. says this moment is a dream come true. “I’m finally getting my undergraduate degree because I lacked one course by...
Tue Jan 6, 2026

UNC School of Pharmacy retains No. 1 ranking for external research funding
The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy has retained its No. 1 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy ranking for external research funding among U.S. schools...
Mon Jan 5, 2026