POPLAR BLUFF - Linda Cohn, longtime anchor for ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” will deliver the commencement address at the 2012 graduation ceremonies for Three Rivers College. The college made the announcement concerning the May 20 ceremony this week.

“I want the college and its students to be affiliated with impactful personalities,” said college president Dr. Devin Stephenson.  “I look for a person who can inspire and motivate our graduates.  Linda tells people that you can get to where you want to be if you are willing to push obstacles and hurtle boundaries, and I think our students will relate well to that.”

Commencement will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, May 20, as a free event open to the community.  This is a change from the originally scheduled date of Friday, May 18.

“With that quality education, Three Rivers graduates are already going places,” Cohn stated.  “If I can help be their GPS, well, that's a bonus.  My message is simple: Go after your dreams because they can happen.  I’m an example of that. Combining your passion with effort puts yourself in position to get what you want out of life, in your career and personally.”

As one of the first full-time female sports anchors, Cohn is recognized for her 20-year career with ESPN, and has appeared regularly on the show “SportsCenter” since 1992.  She is considered a pioneer among professional women sportscasters in America.

Cohn is also the author of “Cohn-Head,” her memoir published in 2008.  The popular book details Cohn’s struggle to “break into the boys’ club” of national sportscasting.  As a public speaker, Cohn has toured the country and spoken at numerous colleges and universities, including Northeastern University in Boston, the University of Connecticut, the University of Oklahoma and more.

“This will be an event to not only honor our graduates, but to thank our community and welcome everyone to come hear Linda’s empowering message,” said Stephenson.  “We want to pack the Black River Coliseum.  Linda is inspirational because of her commitment to family, to excellence, and to making a difference in the lives of others.”

December 2011 and May 2012 graduates wishing to participate in this year’s commencement exercises must apply for graduation either in the Enrollment Services Office or online at trcc.edu/academics/graduation.