Gold Medalist Jade Carey to Inspire Oregon State University Graduates as Commencement Speaker

Oregon State University has announced that Olympic gold medalist and former Beavers gymnastics star Jade Carey will deliver the keynote address at this year’s commencement ceremony. The event, set to take place in Corvallis, marks a triumphant homecoming for the 24-year-old athlete who has become one of Oregon’s most celebrated sports figures.

Carey, a Phoenix, Arizona native who trained extensively in Oregon, shot to international fame during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when she clinched the gold medal in the floor exercise. She later added a silver medal in the team event at the Paris 2024 Games, solidifying her legacy as one of the nation’s top gymnasts. Beyond her Olympic glory, Carey has been a standout student at Oregon State, balancing elite athletic training with academic pursuits in the College of Business.

“Jade embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence that we hope to instill in every Beaver,” said OSU President Jayathi Murthy in a statement. “Her journey from a young gymnast in Oregon to an Olympic champion is a powerful testament to hard work and resilience. We are thrilled to have her share her story with our graduates as they embark on their own next chapters.”

Carey’s connection to Oregon runs deep. She began training at the Oregon Elite Gymnastics Academy in Eugene as a teenager, and her recruitment to OSU was a major coup for the university’s athletics program. Despite the demands of international competition, she has remained actively involved in the local community, frequently mentoring young gymnasts at clinics across the state.

The commencement ceremony is scheduled for June 14 at Reser Stadium. For Oregon State’s Class of 2025, listening to a world champion—one who has balanced the weight of Olympic expectations with the pressures of college life—will serve as a fitting final lesson before they step into the world.