Hulu Founder Inspires at Misty Morning UNC Commencement

Carolina blue was complemented by multi-colored umbrellas at Sunday morning’s UNC commencement at Kenan Stadium.

But even the rapidly falling mist couldn’t dampen spirits, as a crowd of 29,000 cheered for the graduating class of 2015.

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, Chancellor Carol Folt reminded 6,053 of the effect their graduation will have on their families.

For some families, the accomplishment is especially significant.

“We’re also celebrating our ‘Carolina firsts’ – 660 graduates who are the first in their families to go to college,” said Folt. “Your families have dreamed about this moment, and I think they’re all soaking it in. And you have changed your families forever.”

The undergraduate class of 2015 totaled 3,769.

The past year was also marked by a tragedy for the UNC community, when UNC dental student Deah Shaddy Barakat, his wife Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha; and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha were gunned down at Findley Forest Condominiums on Feb. 10.

A neighbor, Crag Stephen Hicks, was charged with first-degree murder.

Folt didn’t refer to the incident specifically, but she said this:

“I would now like to ask everyone to join me in a moment of silence, and in tribute, in remembrance for our students, and others whom you have loved, who passed away over the past school year. When you leave here today, remember that they walk with you in spirit.”

The UNC community also suffered the loss of legendary former basketball coach Dean Smith on February 7.

On Sunday, outgoing UNC President Tom Ross praised Folt during his brief address.

“Thank you, Chancellor, for your terrific stewardship of, and dedication to UNC-Chapel Hill,” said Ross. “You are our No. 1 Tar Heel.”

Ross will step down early next year.

The keynote speaker was 1993 UNC graduate Jason Kilar, the founding CEO of the online video service Hulu.

Kilar noted some of the adversity he suffered soon after graduation. His father committed suicide three days later.

Disappointing professional experiences and brief homelessness on the West Coast followed. But his fortunes changed, first at Amazon, and then with his own successful company.

Kilar recalled that many outside experts predicted his company’s failure from the beginning. He drew on some classic advice for this year’s UNC graduates.

“The early days of Hulu were among the toughest in my career,” said Kilar. “I kept reminding myself of that phrase that is attributed to Winston Churchill: ‘When you are going through hell, keep going.’”