Learn more about 2025 Commencement speaker Emma Coburn
In 2012, while she was still an undergraduate at ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder, runner Emma Coburn competed in her first Olympics. Now, over ten years later, Coburn is returning to her alma mater to deliver the commencement speech for the Class of 2025.ÌýÌý
As Chancellor Justin Schwartz shared with ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder Today, “Emma Coburn is the epitome of a Buff: strong, focused, determined and resilient.â€ÌýÌý
Here’s more about this year’s commencement speaker:Ìý
- Coburn grew up in Crested Butte, ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥, which she claimed was crucial to her athletic development and happiness.Ìý
- Coburn was the first ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ athlete to win an indoor mile title in track and field.Ìý
- She won the 2011 and 2013 NCAA steeplechase national championships. Her 2013 title race time was the fifth best in NCAA history.Ìý
- Coburn has competed at three Olympics: London, Rio and Tokyo.Ìý
- At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Coburn took home bronze, becoming the first American woman to medal in an Olympic steeplechase event. Her race time also established a new American record at the time.ÌýÌý
- In 2017, Coburn founded the Elk Run 5K in her hometown, Crested Butte, to raise money for community members battling cancer. Since then, the event has raised over $300,000 for a local charity.ÌýÌý
- Coburn was one of three ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ alumni to compete in the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. She placed eighth in the world for the women’s steeplechase.Ìý
- In 2023, she was inducted into the .Ìý
- Coburn is part of a multi-generational Buffs legacy. Her grandfather, William E. Coburn, graduated from ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ in 1949.Ìý
- Her favorite celebratory meal is a steak burrito with spicy green chili and a margarita from the Rio Grande in Boulder.Ìý
As a ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder alum, three-time Olympian and proud Coloradan, Coburn embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Forever Buff. With deep roots in the Boulder community and a remarkable journey from ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ student to world-class athlete, she brings a powerful message of perseverance, passion and Buffs pride. Don’t miss her at this year’s commencement ceremony as she addresses the next generation of outstanding graduates.Ìý