Commencement Speaker
ESPN’s Wes Durham ’88 to deliver 2025 Commencement address

Wes Durham ’88
An accomplished sports broadcaster with a family legacy in the NCAA’s Atlantic Coast Conference will share stories and wisdom when he returns to his alma mater in May to deliver a Commencement address to Elon University’s Class of 2025.
Wes Durham ’88, a play-by-play commentator for ESPN and ACC Network, will address graduates in two ceremonies inside Elon University’s Schar Center on May 23, 2025.
Recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award in the School of Communications, Durham’s influence in sports broadcasting extends beyond his role with ESPN, having served as the radio play-by-play voice for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons since 2004.
“Wes Durham has built a national reputation for trust and accuracy at a time of profound transformation in sports and media,” said Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book. “With a literal courtside seat to many of the most memorable moments in American sports history, I can think of no better person to share stories of the way teamwork and competition can inspire others in their own pursuits of excellence.”
Durham described Book’s invitation to deliver the Commencement address to Elon University’s Class of 2025 as “a humbling honor.”
“I’m so proud to be an Elon graduate and excited to be part of this special time for the university,” he said. “My hope is that my remarks will be a suitable companion piece to what is such a special day for not only the graduates, but also their family and friends.
“Your life changes after you’re awarded that degree when you are empowered to impact yourself, your family and your world.”