As one of the milestone moments in any student’s academic journey, Commencement marks the moment where current students cross the threshold and become Triton alumni. It is the time when family, friends, faculty and colleagues come together to celebrate your remarkable accomplishments. It is the time when we gather to share your hopes and aspirations for a bright new future. And, it is the time when your hard work, commitment and resilience propel you toward new opportunities to share your talents with the world.
Today, it is my privilege to announce that six-time IRONMAN world champion, author and UC San Diego alumnus Mark Allen ’80, will serve as the keynote speaker at our 2025 All Campus Commencement ceremony.
Mark grew up in Central California, where he developed a deep passion for competitive swimming. As a student at UC San Diego, he was an active and winning member of the men’s swim team and achieved recognition as an All-American competitive swimmer. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in biology in 1980.
Mark’s competitive nature, resilience and remarkable self-discipline and commitment led him to a long and storied career as a decorated and globally recognized triathlete. He was named “Triathlete of the Year” six times by Triathlete Magazine, and Outside Magazine dubbed him “The World’s Fittest Man” in 1997.
Mark won his first IRONMAN Triathlon World Championship – the most difficult one-day sporting event of the world – in 1989 in Kona, HI after six unsuccessful attempts. He ultimately went on to win a total of six IRONMAN world championships during his 15-year competitive career. In addition, he won the sport’s inaugural Olympic Distance World Championships in Avignon, France and was undefeated in 10 trips to the Nice International Triathlon. Between 1988 and 1990, Mark had a winning streak of 21 consecutive victories before eventually retiring from competition in 1996.
In 2012, an ESPN poll voted Mark “The Greatest Endurance Athlete of All Time” for his remarkable and sustained career as a triathlete. Today, Mark is an acclaimed and highly sought after triathlon and performance coach. He serves as an expert analyst for NBC’s annual IRONMAN coverage and is the co-author of the award-winning book “Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier Happier You,” and in 2013, released the book “The Art of Competition,” in which he shares the importance of purpose, progress and principles that apply in sports, and in life.
Mark also will receive the UC San Diego Medal for his leadership and commitment to serving others. His remarks will undoubtedly motivate and inspire graduates and their guests to find their passion and live it authentically.
The 2025 All Campus Commencement ceremony will be held at RIMAC Field. I will officially confer degrees by academic division upon graduates gathered as one student body. The ceremony also will be livestreamed for graduates or their families who are unable to join in person. Visit UC San Diego’s Commencement website beginning at 6:15 p.m. PDT on June 14 to view the livestream or for more information.
