Savanna Montgomery, a graduating senior Creative Media Industries (CMI) major from Lexington, Kentucky, has been named the spring 2024 commencement speaker, the first ever from the College of Media & Communication.
Montgomery embodies the values of academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement that define CoMC's ethos.
With a track record of academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and service to her peers, Montgomery's selection as the commencement speaker underscores her outstanding contributions to the college's community. As she prepares to address her fellow graduates, she will not only represent CoMC, but the Edward E. Whitacre College of Engineering with her speech— she is honored to be the voice of her class and looks forward to delivering an inspiring message that celebrates their collective achievements and future aspirations.
“I've told my mom and everyone in my family and close friends circle— I just want to keep it a surprise for my dad and show him the day of graduation,” said Montgomery.
“I never thought I would get to this point to be named the first graduation speaker for our college,” said Montgomery. "I've been heavily involved in a lot of different programs since I've been in CoMC and would never in a million years think I would be nominated and chosen to speak for my entire class. This is one of the biggest and most memorable moments I will have here.”
As Montgomery prepares to address her graduating class, she carries with her the memory of her grandmother's belief in her potential and the legacy of strength and resilience that she left behind. With heartfelt gratitude and a sense of accomplishment, Montgomery commemorates her grandmother as she embarks on the next chapter of her life, knowing that her achievements are a testament to the love and guidance she received.
“My grandma attended Texas Tech in the ‘60s and passed away in 2006,” said Montgomery. “I wish she was here because she would be so proud and eating this up. She was an all Texas Tech kind of girl and is still part of this moment for me. My sister and I will visit her [burial cite] soon and I will leave my graduation announcement for her. Even with graduation getting closer and closer, I am excited to begin graduate school here next because I feel there is still so much for me to do.”
With time winding down, Montgomery fondly recalls the first time she set foot on campus during a college tour. From the initial awe-inspiring moments of exploring the College of Media & Communication to the countless memories made with friends and mentors, her journey has been one of profound discovery and transformation. With a sense of nostalgia and anticipation for the future, Montgomery embraces the lessons learned and the memories cherished during her time in CoMC.
“I remember my first time visiting this campus and to this day, I have no regrets,”
“I remember my first time visiting this campus and to this day, I have no regrets,” said Montgomery. “I initially wanted to attend [another Texas school] but was waitlisted for so long. My aunt wanted to show me her alma mater here at Texas Tech and when we did, I was the only student from CoMC that was touring. I was able to tour with Emily Balke, Preston Derrick, and Todd Chambers— I knew I belonged here when I came back for orientation and Dr. Chambers remembered my name and hometown.”
While she prepares to take the stage as the inaugural graduation speaker, she is filled
with a profound sense of honor and inspiration— she is eager to inspire her fellow
graduates with a message of hope, resilience, and the limitless possibilities that
lie ahead. Montgomery is grateful for the support of her peers, mentors, and the CoMC
community that has shaped her into the leader she is today.
“The thing I'm looking forward to the most about speaking to the spring 2024 graduates are my friends,” said Montgomery. “I'll be able to look at all the College of Media & Communication graduates and friends as I speak— I will also be able to see my dad's expression after speaking and very excited to see how he reacts. I initially did not want to tell my friends about me being on stage for graduation day, but word got around quickly once I was accepted, and they've all been extremely supportive.”
