Guest Speakers Announced for Tepper School of Business 2025 Commencement Ceremonies

The Tepper School of Business is pleased to announce the distinguished speakers for the 2025 commencement weekend, when nearly 500 graduates will be honored during diploma ceremonies held May 9–11.

Three alumni and one graduating student have been selected to speak at individual ceremonies, offering their insights and inspiration to the Class of 2025.

Brett Gordon (MS ‘04, Ph.D. ‘07) will address graduates at the Ph.D. Ceremony on Friday, May 9. Gordon is the Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Marketing at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. His award-winning research focuses on pricing, advertising, and competitive strategy, and he serves as Co-Editor of the Journal of Marketing Research. A prolific scholar and podcast host, Gordon earned all his degrees, including a Bachelor’s, two Masters, and a PhD in Economics, from Carnegie Mellon.

Benjamin Smith (MSIA ‘93) will speak at the Specialty Master’s Ceremony on Saturday, May 10. Smith is a Senior Partner at Kearney, where he leads the Digital and Analytics practice and advises on innovation, technology, and geopolitical strategy. An entrepreneur, investor, and public policy advisor, he has launched companies, served on numerous boards, and played a key role in shaping the firm’s global strategy and venture capital initiatives.

William Meaney (MSIA ‘86) will speak at the MBA Ceremony on Saturday, May 10. Meaney is President and CEO of Iron Mountain, a global leader in information management and data centers. Previously, he led The Zuellig Group and held executive roles at Swiss International Airlines and South African Airways. He serves on the boards of State Street Corporation and Massachusetts General Hospital, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Additionally, Alex Chen, a 2025 graduate, will deliver the keynote address at the Undergraduate Diploma Ceremony on Sunday, May 11.

The commencement weekend celebrates the hard work, dedication, and achievements of the Tepper School community and its graduates.