ST. LOUIS — Decorated gymnast Simone Biles is often referred to as the “GOAT,†an acronym for “greatest of all time.†But Biles encouraged Washington University students to strive for something different on Monday — to instead be the GYOAT, or the “greatest you of all time.â€
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles delivers her Washington University commencement speech at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
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A graduate student films as she is recognized during Washington University’s commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Photos: Olympian Simone Biles addresses graduates at WashU's commencement ceremony
Graduates in the College of Arts & Sciences are recognized during Washington University's commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on campus in 51ºÚÁÏ County on Monday, May 12, 2025.
A graduate student films as she is recognized during Washington University’s commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles delivers her Washington University commencement speech at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Graduates throw their caps at the end of Washington University's commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
A doctoral student takes a photo while being recognized during Washington University's commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
51ºÚÁÏ native and actor Jenifer Lewis smiles after receiving an honorary doctorate degree during Washoington University's commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
A faculty member puts on a poncho as a light rain falls during Washington University's commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
A graduate holds an umbrella during the procession into Washington University’s commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
A light rain continues to fall as Washington University's commencement ceremony starts at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
A graduate processes into Washington University's commencement ceremony while the crowd protects themselves from the rain with ponchos at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Seats for the graduates are wiped off as a light rain falls before Washington University's commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
A graduate puts on a poncho while others use umbrellas as a light rain falls during Washington University's commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Graduates in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts cheer while being recognized during Washington University's commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Graduates throw their hats at the end of Washington University's commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
US Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is congratulated by Washington University Chancellor Andrew Martin before receiving an honorary doctorate during WashU's commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on campus in 51ºÚÁÏ County on Monday, May 12, 2025.
U.S. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, second from right, stands with, from left, Washington University Chancellor Andrew Martin, and chair of the Board of Trustees Andrew Bursky, during the university commencement ceremony at Francis Olympic Field on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Post-Dispatch photographers capture hundreds of images each week; here's a glimpse at the week of April 27, 2025. Video edited by Jenna Jones.
