Dear Bentley community,
As we enter the second half of our spring semester, our students and faculty alike are deeply engaged in their academic pursuits. This time of year is momentous and filled with anticipation, especially for our students who will graduate in May. Their years of hard work, learning and exploration will soon result in a Bentley degree awarded at a joyous and meaningful Commencement ceremony. I, too, am looking forward to that event and am excited to announce this year’s keynote speakers and honorary degree recipients.
New Balance President and CEO Joe Preston will deliver the keynote address at Bentley’s 105th undergraduate commencement ceremony, and Karan Dyson, vice president of Global Grooming Process & Engineering at Procter & Gamble-Gillette, will deliver the keynote address at the 49th commencement ceremony for Bentley's McCallum Graduate School of Business.
Joe Preston has demonstrated an innate understanding of the global consumer retail and manufacturing industry in his 29 years at New Balance. His success comes from leveraging innovation and insights on today’s consumer to drive unparalleled growth in challenging times. New Balance is connecting sport and culture to drive brand energy and exciting new products with brand ambassadors including US Open winner Coco Gauff, two-time American League MVP Shohei Ohtani, four-time World-Record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Grammy-nominated rapper Jack Harlow, and actor Jaden Smith, among others. The company reported a 23% increase in worldwide annual sales from 2022 to 2023. Preston believes New Balance’s commitment to its values - including supporting its associates and local communities and focusing on domestic manufacturing and sustainable practices - are key components to its success.
Karan Dyson is an experienced engineering executive who has held leadership roles at Procter & Gamble for 27 years. In her current role as vice president of Global Grooming Process & Engineering at Procter & Gamble-Gillette she strategically plans, directs and manages global programs, engineering innovation, technology master planning and new site construction. She has led Global Grooming Process & Engineering, Research & Development and Manufacturing across multiple Procter & Gamble brands and products including Baby Care, Fabric and Home Care, Oral Care and Corporate Engineering. Most recently, Dyson was inducted into the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in February 2024.
This year’s keynote speakers are both prominent executives who represent the highest standards of business excellence. Their values-led leadership makes a positive impact in their industries and communities, mirroring what we teach at Bentley and how we develop future business leaders. I am honored to have them share their experiences with our graduates and families for this year’s commencement ceremonies on May 17 and 18.
Sincerely,
Brent Chrite