Last weekend, Moody College of Communication students crossed the graduation stage, closing the books on their undergraduate careers at The University of Texas.

In a packed Moody Center, students were treated to remarks from Interim Dean, Anita Vangelisti, Moody alumna, Fran Harris and Moody Communication Council president, Saanvi Sreejit. Themes of each explored the realities of life, the highs and the lows, both in and out of college, and how those experiences can shape one’s future.

“You know, I’ve learned a lot during my time at Moody,” Sreejit said. “I’ve taken classes that challenged me and changed the way I think. But nothing has confused me more than learning the difference between CMA, CMB, and DMC. I spent my first few weeks confidently walking into the wrong building only to realize I was an advertising major in Studio 6B with the film majors, or somehow on the SLH floor.”

She continued.

“And honestly, that might be the most accurate metaphor for college. Because so many of us have had moments where we felt like we were in the wrong place. I’ve felt that way more times than I can count. But looking back now, every time I thought I was lost, I was actually being positioned. We grow up believing we need to feel ready before we take the next step, but if that were true, most of us wouldn’t be here.”

Sreejit’s powerful remarks encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace their journey, wherever it takes them next.

“So, as you walk into your next chapter, whether you know exactly what comes next, or you have no idea at all, just remember this: You’re not lost. You’re not late, You’re right on time.” Sreejit said. “You didn’t get here by accident. You earned every bit of this.”  

Prior to graduate name calling, Fran Harris stepped up to the podium and inspired everyone in Moody Center, not just the students she was addressing.

While Harris has had many wins in her life, as a former Texas Longhorns women’s basketball champion, WNBA player, author and entrepreneur, she’s also racked up a few “L’s,” and those, she says, taught her some of the most valuable lessons.

“As you heard in my introduction, I’ve done my fair share of winning,” Harris said. “But what you didn’t hear are the three losses that changed my life and ultimately turned me into a serial champion.”

Harris went on to describe what she took from her mother’s sudden death when she was only 16. Upon telling the story, a gasp could be heard from the Moody Center audience. Harris says this taught her that tomorrow is never promised and emphasized why it’s important to be kind, be honest, be real and be ready for whatever comes next.  

Her second “L” happened on the Forty Acres. As a junior on the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team, she was the Southwestern Conference Player of the Year, a three-year starter and team voted MVP. Her team was 28-2, and they were certain this would be the year they’d play for the national championship. But that all changed during a tied game when, in the last two seconds, Western Kentucky scored and won the game. The Longhorns' season was over.

“Never look ahead,” Harris said. “Don’t celebrate what might happen. Finish the job in front of you. Oh, that same Texas team came back the next year, went 34-0 and won its first and, to date, only national championship for women’s basketball.”

Finally, Harris shared her most recent loss, one she says is still fresh in her mind. In February 2025, she and her business partners submitted a bid to bring a WNBA team to Austin. The bid seemed like a sure thing. Though, while sitting in the stands at Moody Center, watching Texas women’s basketball get the win over LSU, Fran received the news that the team had been awarded to Cleveland via an ESPN alert on her phone.

“I was having a full meltdown but then I heard a faint whisper,” Harris said. “Not from ESPN, not from the crowd, but from right here. From Texas. What starts here changes the world. And I thought, ‘Okay, you got 48 hours, Fran. 48 hours to be mad, to cry, to cuss, but after 48 hours, we ride.’ You give Longhorns lemons, we’re making lemonade. We’re making lemon drop martinis. We’re making whiskey sours. We’re making lemon pound cake. Because that’s what Longhorns do – we turn disappointment into drive. We turn a mess into a message.”

Life is going to throw you curveballs, Harris says, sometimes even when you did everything right.

“Here’s the part nobody tells you,” Harris continued. “The world owes you nothing, but you deserve everything you’re willing to work for.”

As her remarks continued to build, the audience stayed at the edges of their seats.

“Moody graduates, the world doesn’t need more content,” Harris said. “It needs more courage. More truth. More bold storytellers. More good troublemakers. That’s me and that’s you. So, when life throws you a bullet pass on the fast break, or a fastball when you least expect it – and it will – don’t duck. Swing. And if you miss? Swing again. Because what starts here changed our lives so that we can change the world.”  

Later during the ceremony, school spirit was on full display, especially as Communications Studies graduate, Donovan Hawkins, revealed his identity as Hook ‘Em! Just as students cheered for the beloved mascot, they cheered for one another, their classmates and the network that’s supported them for every step of the last four years.

Vangelisti acknowledged this in her remarks.

“When you make your way across the stage, I hope you’re able to feel how proud your families and loved ones are of what you’ve accomplished,” Vangelisti said. “But even more than that, I hope you can feel a sense of pride within yourselves for all the hard work you’ve put forth over the last four years. All the late nights, all the hours spent studying, all the early morning classes, all the sacrifice is about to pay off.”

She encouraged students to always remember the family they have at Moody College, and that because of their experiences here, they should feel confident and prepared for their lives off campus and in their careers.

“So, here’s to closing the chapter of the last four years and to opening the book on a lifetime of joy, success and happiness that is still to come. Congratulations graduates!”