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At 2022 winter commencement, an impressive array of notable graduates
December 12, 2022 | By Dan Emerson
They’ve thrived in student leadership roles, navigated significant personal challenges, initiated international charitable projects, and even won election to public office. Our 2022 winter commencement graduates are truly remarkable — though it’s no surprise at a world-class institution like UW–Madison. Here are just a few of the outstanding students receiving their degrees this December.
She turned storytelling into a launchpad for insight and connection
Tilly Suttner
Matilda “Tilly” Suttner, who earns her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and certificate in Sports Communication this winter, has taken a passion for storytelling and transformed it into a unique voice in international sports media. Born and raised in Middleton, Wisconsin, Tilly found her footing on campus covering Badger athletics across digital platforms, where her warm curiosity and narrative focus made her a familiar presence among student athletes and fans alike.
During her time at UW-Madison, she developed a strong portfolio of multimedia work, blending traditional reporting with engaging short‑form content. Her ability to highlight athlete experiences — both on and off the field — built her a dedicated following, particularly through her social presence as @tillytalksalot, where she shared thoughtful interviews and behind‑the‑scenes moments that resonated with peers and professionals. By her senior year, she amassed over 6 million followers across all social media platforms.
Building on her collegiate success, Tilly joined the Milwaukee Bucks as a social media correspondent for the 2019–2020 NBA season, producing behind-the-scenes content, player features, and engaging multimedia stories. Though the season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tilly maintained her focus on connecting athletes with audiences in creative ways.
Her platform didn’t just entertain — she leveraged it for good. In 2021, Tilly used her 6+ million followers and professional connections from her role as an NBA social media correspondent to host a nationwide sports equipment drive. The campaign, supported by Bucks players, coaching staff, and local sponsors, distributed over 30,000 items to students whose families had been financially impacted by COVID‑19, ensuring youth across the country had access to sports gear for the new school year. Businesses had also donated back-to-school supplies, and in the Madison area, Tilly had volunteered at community centers to hand out donations and speak to the families herself; WMTV 15 covered the impact here. This successful drive demonstrated Tilly’s commitment to service alongside storytelling.
Her talent opened doors beyond the university. Shortly after graduation, Tilly was offered a role as a junior reporter and content creator in Formula One, one of the world’s most competitive global sports circuits. In her post‑graduate role, she will cover races and personalities for F1 media, bringing her signature blend of insight, approachability, and respect for the human stories behind elite performance to an international audience.
Tilly’s journey from local sports coverage in Madison to the high‑stakes world of motorsport journalism reflects both her commitment to excellence and her knack for connecting people to the heart of every story. With graduation behind her and a new role ahead, Tilly is prepared for the challenges of international sports reporting.
(…though she has yet to realize just how personal those challenges will become.)