Spring 2019 Commencement

Noël Wells to deliver Moody College keynote

Moody College of Communication looks forward to hosting you for spring commencement exercises.

Please use the following information to plan your visit to The University of Texas campus and support our graduates.

Spring 2019 Commencement
Friday, May 24 at 3 p.m.
Frank Erwin Center

No tickets are required.

To assist with making your visit to campus safe and enjoyable, please note safety procedures. Backpacks, tote bags or any bag larger than 12 inches in any dimension will not be allowed in commencement venues.

Graduating students are encouraged to arrive at 1:30 p.m. to begin check in. The processional begins promptly at 2:45 p.m.

Parking is available on the UT Austin campus and nearby state parking garages.

Keynote speaker spotlight: Noël Wells

Noël Wells is bringing her story of persistence back to the Moody College of Communication.

A 2010 Radio-Television-Film graduate, and actor, writer, director and musician, Wells is set to deliver Moody College’s keynote address during Spring 2019 Commencement.

Noel Wells to deliver keynote at Moody College spring graduation, set for Friday, May 24 at 3 p.m.

 

Wells’ creative journey is both relevant and relatable. Born in San Antonio, she attended high school in Victoria, Texas, where she graduated as a salutatorian. She also majored in Plan II Honors as a University of Texas student.

Out of high school, she planned on being a civil rights lawyer, but changed course and focused academically on film, studying editing, animation and directing. As a film student, she bought her own cameras, wrote her own projects and engaged in Austin’s live comedy scene.

Upon graduation she moved to Los Angeles and started posting original content on YouTube. She also performed at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre while working as an editor before being cast on Saturday Night Live.

“Because I had so many skill sets, I (thought), ‘Hey, don’t worry. No matter what I’m going to make something,’” Wells recently told The Ringer.  

Following a season on SNL in 2013-2014, she was cast opposite Aziz Ansari on the Netflix’s Master of None. Shortly after, she wrote and directed an independent feature film, Mr. Roosevelt, which premiered and won the audience award at SXSW.

She just completed and self-produced her debut album set to come out this year.

Natalie England
Marketing Communications