Dr. Ashley Price Holder ’99, who graduated from Davidson College after her time at Berkeley, was the alumni commencement speaker. She earned a B.S. in biology before obtaining her M.D. at Baylor College of Medicine. Today, Holder is a cancer surgeon at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Holder returned to Berkeley to speak to the Class of 2024.
INSPIRING SPEECH: Dr. Ashley Price Holder ’99 advised graduates that they can accomplish anything by staying true to themselves. (Photo credit: Lily Shirmohammad ’26)
Holder began her speech by congratulating the graduates and recognizing her niece, Adriana Price ’24. Holder’s speech focused on the concept of promise for graduates, specifically the promises of endless opportunities for graduates, support from the Berkeley community and the promise of the graduates to be authentic to themselves.
Holder recognized the admirable accomplishments of the Class of 2024 and reminded the graduates that the opportunities for their future are endless. She says that her Berkeley education set her up for lifelong success, specifically recalling how Upper Division Science Faculty Martha DeWeese’s AP Biology class prepared her for biology classes at Davidson College and how the skills taught in Berkeley classes gave her the assets needed to be hardworking and confident in her career.
“Just as I was, you have been prepared by Berkeley to face challenges and triumph,” said Holder.
Holder also told the graduates that they have the promise of continued support from the Berkeley family. She spoke about how people she met at Berkeley have remained by her side throughout her life.
“This is the Berkeley family, and even if you cannot see us, we have your back,” said Holder.
After giving the Class of 2024 the promise of opportunity and support, Holder asked for a promise in return: that the graduates remain true to their authentic selves. She also reminded the audience to let their individuality shine, stand up for their beliefs and use the experiences and resources they gained from being in the Berkeley community.
By the end of the speech, the Class of 2024 walked away with an inspiring reflection on their accomplishments and a message about the promise for their future. To read Holder’s entire speech, please click here.
