DAPHNE — The United States Sports Academy, celebrating its 35th anniversary, held its annual graduation ceremony July 20 on its campus in Daphne.

The graduating students represented 44 states and seven countries.

University of Notre Dame Athletic Director Dr. Kevin White delivered the commencement speech and received an Honorary Doctorate. In addition, the academy bestowed its Distinguished Alum of the Year Award on Linda Moore, director of business administration at ESPN Original Entertainment.

Moore earned her Master of Sports Science degree from the Academy in 1989.

In his speech to the graduating class, White stressed four characteristics for successful leadership: empathy, task orientation, flexibility/adaptability and passion.

He added, “The global impact of sport is 4.1 percent of the world economy.” White is the first Notre

Dame athletic director to report directly to the university president. He is currently an associate professor in the management department of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business MBA program.

Receiving her award, Moore said, “As alums, we have an opportunity, privilege and responsibility to go forth and serve.”

For over 10 years, Moore has been involved in ESPN’s evolution from a sports media outlet to a sports management and production entity. After ESPN began the X Games, an Olympic-style competition for “action sports” such as skateboarding and BMX stunts, she was hired to manage a staff of 75 that oversaw all auxiliary events, including the X Trials and B3 events.

In 1999, Moore was promoted to her current position.

She is also active in the V Foundation for Cancer Research and Women in Cable and Television.

(Submitted by Mark Stevens)