Golden State Today

Cynt Marshall, the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team and a UC Berkeley graduate, was the keynote speaker at UC Berkeley's commencement ceremony. Marshall is notable for being the first Black woman to serve as CEO in NBA history.

In her prepared remarks for the ceremony on Saturday, May 11, she addressed the graduating class of 2024 with a spirited message: "Class of 2024, this is your day! I am honored to be back in my home state, at the best place on the planet, my alma mater, the University of California at Berkeley."

Marshall reflected on her own college graduation day and how it shaped her future. She also paid tribute to Chancellor Christ for his service and leadership and congratulated the faculty and administration for their accomplishments.

The CEO also extended gratitude to parents and loved ones for their support towards graduates' journey. She encouraged graduates to express gratitude towards their families.

Marshall further shared an anecdote from her time at UC Berkeley when she faced discrimination due to her residential area. Despite this experience, she expressed pride in both her old house and new house.

She then urged graduates to applaud their faculty, administrators, and staff who have nurtured them during a critical period of growth in their lives.

In closing, Marshall delivered a sports-related message reflecting her professional background: "The ball is in your hands." She used this metaphor to advise graduates about life after college.

She provided six points for consideration: choosing good teammates; recognizing one's position on the court; understanding priorities; handling situations with character; rebounding from failures with grace; and conducting oneself like a grown-up – grateful, ready, open, willing and nice.

In conclusion, she said: "May God bless your hands as you pick up the ball. May God bless your feet as you take to the court. May you always cherish and tell others about your days at Cal." She ended by congratulating the Class of 2024 and reminding them that the ball is now in their hands.