Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez will be sharing her inspiring life story with graduates at Kean University next month. Hernandez, 24, won a gold medal in the women’s team gymnastics event and a silver on the balance beam at the 2016 Olympics. She was born in New Brunswick and grew up in Old Bridge. Kean University said Hernandez will “share her story of perseverance, overcoming adversity and staying true to herself” when she addresses the Class of 2025 on May 13 at the Prudential Center in Newark. “Laurie Hernandez embodies the unwavering determination and tenacious spirit we cultivate at Kean University,” said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet. Hernandez was named to the New Jersey Hall of Fame at age 19, making her its youngest inductee. She is also an author who won “Dancing with the Stars” and co-hosted “American Ninja Warrior Junior.” “Her extraordinary achievements on the Olympic stage and groundbreaking role as a trailblazer in gymnastics make her a powerful testament to what’s possible for our graduates. We are confident her authentic message will deeply resonate with the Class of 2025 and their families, igniting the spark for their own remarkable journeys ahead,” Repollet said. Hernandez is attending New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she is pursuing a degree in drama, the university said. Nearly 3,500 students will graduate from Kean this year. The 2025 commencement is the first joint ceremony at Kean recognizing both undergraduate and graduate students together in a single ceremony, the university said. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.