Dear Bentley Community,
Bentley graduates have a well-earned reputation as hard-working, talented future business leaders who are committed to changing the world. Year after year, our graduates are highly sought after and hired for roles in nearly every industry. The Class of 2023, I’m certain, will be no different.
I’m honored today to announce the keynote speakers for this year’s commencement ceremonies next month, when our community will gather on campus to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduating class. NCAA President and former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker will deliver the keynote address at our 104th undergraduate commencement ceremony, and Steve Kaufer, co-founder and former CEO of Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel site, will deliver the address at our 48th graduate commencement ceremony.
Charlie Baker served two terms as governor of Massachusetts and began his tenure as president of the NCAA last month. Over eight years on Beacon Hill, Mr. Baker brought bipartisan leadership to the State House and became the most popular governor in the country. As governor, he invested significantly in Massachusetts’ K-12 education system and led the nation in pursuing renewable energy to combat climate change. Before he was governor, Mr. Baker served as executive in residence at General Catalyst Partners, a venture capital firm, where he advised mission-driven companies focusing on responsible innovation. Earlier in his career, Baker was CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, which under his leadership went from the verge of bankruptcy to 24 consecutive profitable quarters and a reputation as one of America's top health care plans.
Stephen Kaufer is an experienced entrepreneur who co-founded Tripadvisor above a pizza shop in Needham to help travelers plan the perfect trip. Under his leadership, the company grew into the largest travel site in the world, providing guidance to hundreds of millions of travelers per month. Throughout his career, Mr. Kaufer has been a vocal proponent for the positive role of business in society. As Tripadvisor’s CEO, he condemned the U.S. ban on travelers from Muslim-majority countries and raised money to help refugees fleeing humanitarian crises. He also spoke out in support of Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia and raised money for relief efforts there. Before co-founding Tripadvisor, he was president of CDS, Inc., a software vendor specializing in programming and testing tools, and co-founder of CenterLine Software.
Commencement is the ultimate celebration of academic success and represents the culmination of years of our students’ hard work. It is important that we bring speakers who represent how momentous this occasion is for our graduates. Charlie Baker and Steve Kaufer exemplify the type of inspiring and accomplished leaders to which our graduates aspire, and it will be an honor to host them on our campus.
I look forward to celebrating our graduates and welcoming their families, friends and supporters to Bentley on May 19 and 20.
Most Sincerely,
President Chrite
