Olympic gold medalist Katie Nageotte returns to Ashland University as commencement speaker

ASHLAND – Family members collectively cheered and waved as their soon-to-be Ashland University alums accepted their diplomas at the 2021 winter commencement.

Approximately 365 graduate and undergraduate students accepted their diplomas Saturday morning inside the University's Charles Kate Gymnasium with family members and guests there both in person and virtually.

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Ashland University alumna and Olympic gold medalist in woman's pole vaulting Katie Nageotte gave the commencement address, wanting to leave graduates with one message: Trust in yourself — no matter the scope of your dreams and ambitions.

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Nageotte began her address by telling students to not be afraid of their dreams. "Say them out loud and speak them into existence," she said. "Be unapologetic in your pursuit of whatever those dreams are … Know what it is that you want. Know what it's going to acquire and go after it."

When asked how Nageotte makes sacrifices to achieve her goals she said it's about staying focused on what the task is at hand.

"When you have people around you that encourage you to stay on track during those goals it again doesn't feel like a sacrifice," Nageotte said.

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Lastly, Nageotte asked AU's winter class of 2021 to have intent behind everything they do to ensure growth.

"Practicing with intent is what cleared that winning bar at the Olympics and hundreds of jumps that came before it before that jump where I was just trying to be as perfect as I could every time down the runway," Nageotte said.

'It all depends on how you use it'

Mayor Matt Miller, also an Ashland University alumus, spoke at the commencement, giving graduates advice on what to do with their new-found knowledge.

"Knowledge can be destructive or constructive," Miller said. "Knowledge can be helpful or it can be hurtful. It all depends on how you apply it, on how you use it … My simple challenge to you today is now that you have this knowledge, that will no doubt continue to grow and increase in the years ahead, pursue with all your heart and soul wisdom."

Reach Grant at gritchey@gannett.com

On Twitter: @ritchey_grant

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Katie Nageotte delivers address at Ashland U winter commencement