Utah¹s Luisa Gerstner da Rosa Speaks at Commencement

SALT LAKE CITY - On Thursday evening, women's tennis player Luisa Gerstner Da Rosa had the honor of of representing all Utah students when she spoke at the 2017 Commencement ceremony.

"It's a huge honor," Gerstner da Rosa said. "Never in my life did I think I deserved this opportunity. I am very proud to represent all the graduates. The athletic department has been extremely supportive and helped make everything possible. If it were not for athletics, I would not even be here at the University of Utah."

Gerstner da Rosa, a native of Brazil, addressed a crowd consisting of 8,566 fellow graduates in the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Earning degrees in Operations Management and Information Systems, she dreams of one day being able to do something to help people in need.

"I want to spend some time with family at home but I also have a lot of things I want to accomplish," Gerstner da Rosa added. "I want to help starving children and refugees, as well as promote women's rights."

A Pac-12 All-Academic selection, she acknowledges that she is a fortunate individual that has benefited from her time as a Utah student-athlete.

"Tennis was my way to college and I understand that," Gerstner da Rosa stated. "It puts everything in perspective. Playing sports has put me in position to be comfortable in any situation and setting. I see people that are nervous for tests or job interviews, but that does not happen to me because of everything I have encountered on the court."

The ceremony will air again on KUED Channel 7 on Sat., May 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Each college also holds a convocation ceremony, where students are acknowledged individually by degree. For the date, time, and location of each convocation ceremony, please visit the College Convocations page.

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Utah¹s Luisa Gerstner da Rosa Speaks at Commencement

Completed Event: General versus Arizona on January 18, 2002

Completed Event: General versus Utah St on November 30, 2001 , Win , 3, to, 1

Completed Event: General versus San Diego St on November 17, 2001 , Win , 166, to, 120

Completed Event: General versus UNLV on November 10, 2001 , Loss , 114, to, 117

Completed Event: General versus UNLV on November 10, 2001 , Loss , 89, to, 189.5

Completed Event: General at Oregon St on October 26, 2001 , Loss , 89, to, 116

Completed Event: General versus Utah St on October 23, 2001 , Win , 3, to, 1

Completed Event: General versus UNLV on November 10, 2000 , Loss , 82, to, 120

Completed Event: General versus UNLV on November 10, 2000

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Utah¹s Luisa Gerstner da Rosa Speaks at Commencement

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