Kyle Clark brought a message of resilience, growth and community to the graduates of Colorado Mesa University during the university’s 2026 commencement ceremony.
“In a self-centered world, you choose to celebrate the breakthrough of accomplishments of your friends and classmates, and that doesn’t happen everywhere,” said Kyle Clark to the 2026 Colorado Mesa University commencement crowd during his address.
Anchor and Managing Editor of “Next with Kyle Clark” on 9NEWS, Clark made a trip across the mountains to speak, inspire and motivate the next generation of Maverick alumni. With 1,410 students receiving their certificates or degrees, Clark found a way to connect with each and every one of them during his commencement speech and during his campus visit.
“Mass Communication students, come take my job,” stated Clark, motivating the 2026 graduates to dream big and go after their goals. Clark even worked with CMU-TV students on Friday before graduation, involving them in the production of his 6 pm show.
Clark’s goal was to motivate and encourage students to shoot for the stars and develop their own opinions. What Clark said to students is exactly what he did to get to where he is today. Growing up in New York, Clark got his first job at age 15 as a play-by-play broadcaster for high school sports in Wayne County, NY. He is a graduate from Lyons (NY) High School and Ithaca College, which honored him with its Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2015.
Young Clark immediately pursued the news, working for WBNG-TV in Binghamton, NY, then for 13WHAM in Rochester, NY. In 2007, Clark took a job with 9NEWS in Denver as a reporter.
Today, Clark lives with his wife and two daughters in Denver, serving as an anchor for 9NEWS. He is also the managing editor of his own show, airing weeknights at 6 pm. Clark consistently looks to reinvent local news by being more invested, connected and direct with the state of Colorado. Clark has dedicated his skills to provide as much accurate coverage as possible throughout his career, while also being involved in philanthropic missions that raise money for local causes.
Clark’s “Next” has been Denver’s most-watched newscast since 2018. He and his team have been awarded six times with the Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Innovation. Clark has received more than 20 Emmy awards and has been recognized with four National Walter Cronkite Awards for Excellence in TV Political Journalism. Additionally, he was honored with the 2026 Dr. James T. Peters Humanitarian Award from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, the 2025 Leading with Impact Award from the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the 2022 Harry W. Hoth Public Service Award from the Colorado Broadcasters Association.
Clark joined CMU on May 16, 2026, to share his gratitude, life experiences and character with graduates. He emphasized that success is built through ordinary but consistent actions. For seven years, CMU President John Marshall had been trying to get Clark onto campus. Clark confessed that something would always come up, but he knew CMU staff would be persistent and never give up trying to get him to Grand Junction. What Clark didn’t know is that a resilient work ethic is a trait the entire Maverick family possesses. Clark praised students of all different backgrounds — promoting the ones that are first-generation graduates — yet also recognizing everyone’s own individual story and background.
Clark was struck by how genuine and caring each student was toward their classmates and the uplifting culture present at CMU. Referencing the “Mavily,” Clark ensured that each graduate knew the importance of being dependable, kind, curious and committed to the people around them.
The commencement ceremony featured a plethora of key messages. However, one that stood out for many was to embrace uncertainty and growth. Clark’s speech repeatedly returned to the idea that every version of yourself helped you get to this moment. This includes the imperfect versions of struggle and doubt. Clark ultimately highlighted that as humans, we thrive in these moments of uncertainty.
Clark concluded by speaking on change. Claiming every commencement speech always focuses on change as something that is daunting and needs to be taken with caution, Clark instead promoted positive change.
“I have no doubt that every single one of you is capable of making positive change in our community, so trust the tenacity that you have sharpened here at Colorado Mesa,” said Clark. “If you are overlooked or underestimated, let that fuel you.”
Clark encouraged graduates to step outside of the box and create their own future. He insisted that everyone find their passions as they grow. He also placed emphasis on connection and joining those with similar goals.
From a 15-year-old high school announcer to one of Colorado’s most decorated anchors, Kyle Clark served as a strong definition of what it means to be a Maverick. Clark’s message was a motivational reminder never to stop chasing individuality and personal ambitions. As 1,410 Mavericks look to take on the world, CMU looks to continue providing affordable, hands-on and accessible education for all its students. Clark’s message to embrace uncertainty empowered students to remain dependable and kind throughout their lives following commencement.