Doug Baldwin Jr. to Speak at BC Commencement

Doug Baldwin Jr., former Seattle Seahawk and Pro Bowler, will address graduates as the keynote speaker for Bellevue College’s virtual commencement ceremonies that will be streamed online Friday, June 25.

Baldwin graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Science, Technology and Society before signing with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He is the Seahawks’ third all-time leader in team receptions and receiving yards and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice. He helped his team secure victory in Super Bowl XLVIII.

In 2017, Baldwin helped establish the Players Coalition — an NFL player-led organization advocating for criminal justice and education reform. Subsequently, four out of five ballot initiatives supported by the Players Coalition were voted into law. For his service, Baldwin was awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service Award in 2018 from King County. He was also named as a finalist for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.

“Before I became a leader, I thought success was all about building myself up. But then, once I became a leader, I realized that success is about building others up,” said Baldwin. “I’m looking forward to honoring a class which has shown great resilience and adaptability in this tumultuous time and sharing my thoughts on how we can all work toward a better future.”

“We’re thrilled that Doug Baldwin Jr. will be this year’s keynote speaker,” said interim Bellevue College president Gary Locke. “He’s renowned for his achievements on the field, as well as his leadership and dedication in giving back to the community and in the fight against discrimination and injustice. His participation will certainly be an inspiration to our graduates who have overcome once-in-a-generation challenges in pursuit of their degree, and who will play an integral role in creating an equitable society.”

Since retiring from the NFL in 2019, Baldwin has steered his focus toward building his company, Vault 89, a vehicle used to serve the community in innovative ways. He also spearheads the effort to build the Family First Community Center in Renton. Additionally, Baldwin is a Senior Advisor at Intellectual Ventures. Most importantly, Doug is a devoted husband and father.

Bellevue College expects to award 2,778 bachelor’s and associate degrees, certificates and diplomas to 2,538 students. About 2,147 of this year’s graduating class will be comprised of graduates who will receive associate degrees. Approximately 1,329 students are expected to graduate with honors.