SLCC Alumnus and U.S. Diplomat to Speak at 2025 Commencement

Salt Lake Community College’s 2025 Commencement speaker Branigan Knowlton will share his perspectives drawn from a 12-year career as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. In serving his country, Knowlton has honed his foreign relations and diplomacy skills in Hong Kong, Mexico, Colombia and Italy. Knowlton is also a proud Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) alumnus (2002).

Knowlton currently serves at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. Before reporting to the embassy, he was detailed to the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport as part of the Transatlantic Diplomatic Fellowship program. In Bogotá, Knowlton worked for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and in Hermosillo, Mexico, he worked for the Bureau of Consular Affairs. His first assignment abroad was in Hong Kong, where he worked for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

"I've actively sought opportunities that push me into the unfamiliar, even when it's challenging. Early on, I realized I liked being uncomfortable because it’s in that space that I’ve truly grown—both professionally and personally,” said Knowlton.

At SLCC, Knowlton completed all his general studies courses. He credits three SLCC classes and professors with helping lay the early groundwork and interest in being a diplomat. “An American Civilization course wove the American ideals I grew up with into the history of our country, and a public speaking course, where we discussed challenging topics, exposed me to diverse points of view and made me aware of the importance of understanding different perspectives,” he said. “And in a U.S. National Government class, I learned how our government’s actions impact the world.”

In addition to his schooling at SLCC, Knowlton earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Utah in 2008 and a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication with an emphasis in public relations from Utah State University in 2005. Prior to his foreign service career, Knowlton lived in the Philippines working for a private company and spent two years in Australia, where he served an LDS mission.

SLCC’s Commencement ceremony will be held at the Maverick Center on Friday, May 9 at 9:30 a.m.

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