Meghan Duggan, an American former Olympic ice hockey athlete and University of Wisconsin-Madison alumna, will address graduates at the spring 2024 commencement in May.
Duggan attended UW-Madison from 2006 to 2011, where she played for the women’s hockey team, skating in four NCAA championship games and winning three. During her senior year in 2011, she was the recipient of the Patty Kazmaier Award, which honors the best women’s ice hockey player in the country.
“Meghan Duggan’s career, on and off the ice, is truly exceptional and inspiring,” UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin said in a Wednesday afternoon press release. “Meghan is a born leader whose strength of character, remarkable achievements, and Badger spirit make her a terrific choice to give the charge to the Class of 2024. I’m excited to hear her remarks to our graduates.”
When she graduated from UW-Madison with a bachelor of science degree in biology, Duggan was the number one scorer in program history, according to the release.
Duggan represented the U.S. at three Olympic Winter Games, played in eight International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championships and participated in numerous other international events, including skating in ten Four Nations Cups.
She was promoted to director of player development for the New Jersey Devils in 2022. Additionally, Duggan is the president of Women’s Sports Foundation and is on the USA Hockey’s Women’s Advisory Committee.
In addition to her skating and coaching career, Duggan has used her platforms for motivational speaking surrounding leadership, team management, gender equality, LGBTQ+ advocacy and more.
“Even during her college years, Meghan demonstrated exceptional athletic talent, prompting her to temporarily pause her academic pursuits as a junior to join the U.S. National Team,” said Gracie Nelson, UW-Madison senior class office president.
The Spring 2024 commencement ceremony will be at noon on Saturday, May 11 at Camp Randall.
