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Terence “Bud” Crawford’s UNO Commencement Address Draws National Attention

Terence “Bud” Crawford makes national waves with his inspiring speech at UNO’s May 2025 Commencement.

  • published: 2025/05/19
  • contact: Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
Undefeated world championship boxer Terence “Bud” Crawford is treated by University of Nebraska at Omaha chancellor Joanne Li before he speaks at commencement.

Undefeated world championship boxer Terence “Bud” Crawford is treated by University of Nebraska at Omaha chancellor Joanne Li before he speaks at commencement. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

Terence “Bud” Crawford’s keynote address at UNO’s May Commencement ceremony didn’t just resonate with local graduates, it drew major national media coverage. FOX Sports, Associated Press, and The Washington Post all spotlighted Crawford’s message of perseverance and resilience as he shared his journey from a troubled youth to undefeated boxing champion.

💡 Why it matters: Crawford’s words went beyond his boxing achievements, focusing on themes of overcoming adversity and striving for personal growth. He told graduates, “You control your own destiny,” reflecting on his own struggles, including being kicked out of school and surviving a gunshot wound, and how his mentors helped shape his success.

📸 The big picture: His speech not only inspired UNO’s Class of 2025 but also caught the attention of national media outlets. The Associated Press highlighted how Crawford’s message mirrored his boxing philosophy— “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face,” urging students to embrace challenges.

🥊 Local pride: Crawford’s message echoed in local outlets too. The Omaha World-Herald, WOWT, and KETV captured the excitement, emphasizing the importance of his appearance in both the local community and the broader media landscape.

Read more about Crawford’s address on UNO’s website.

For more on Crawford’s message and its nationwide impact, read the full stories on FOX Sports, the Associated Press, and The Washington Post.

Read the full article on FOX Sports
Read the full article on the Associated Press
Read the full article on The Washington Post

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university, committed to innovating for the public good, advancing social mobility, powering workforce development, and serving as a hub for community engagement. Nearly 15,000 Mavericks choose UNO for its hands-on education experiences, nationally ranked online and graduate programs, military-connected student support, and innovative approaches to supporting lifelong learning. UNO holds the Carnegie Research Activity “R2” designation, securing more than $40 million annually in external research funding and counts its faculty among the world’s most cited scholars. Sixteen Omaha Athletics programs compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Summit League and National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). 

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