Dear Bentley community,
I’m excited to announce Bentley’s 2025 commencement keynote speakers and honorary degree recipients.
Jerry Jacobs Jr. P ’20, CEO of Delaware North and alternate governor of the Boston Bruins, will deliver the keynote address at Bentley’s 106th undergraduate commencement ceremony. Yvonne Hao, Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, will deliver the keynote address at the 50th commencement ceremony for Bentley's McCallum Graduate School of Business.
Jacobs’ leadership of Delaware North and the Bruins reflects many of the ideals we strive to instill in our graduates: the pursuit of excellence paired with an emphasis on creating organizational cultures where all can thrive and grow. At Delaware North, Jacobs oversees the company and its seven operating subsidiaries, focusing on strategic growth and planning, corporate governance and financial management. He has held leadership roles at many philanthropic, civic and business organizations. Through his service on the boards of organizations like the University at Buffalo (UB) Council, the Corps Network and Say Yes Buffalo, he has helped to create life-changing opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds. He is active in the U.S. Travel Association’s CEO Roundtable and Partnership for New York City. He has served on boards at Georgetown University, the University of Buffalo Foundation and Nichols School, where he founded the Jacobs Scholars program for high-achieving students with financial need.
In her role at the Executive Office of Economic Development, Hao leverages decades of business experience to drive positive change in the community. Named a Tech Power Player by The Boston Globe in 2023, she was recognized for successfully guiding the local tech sector through the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Hao was a co-founder, advisor and managing director at investment firm Cove Hill Partners, an operating partner at Pillar Ventures, and the chief operating officer and chief financial officer of PillPack. She is a former operating partner at Bain Capital. In addition, Hao has been a board director at companies such as CarGurus, Flywire, Gentherm, ZipRecruiter and Bose. Hao’s community involvement includes serving as the vice chair of the Board of Trustees of Beth Israel Lahey Health and as a Trustee Emerita of her alma mater, Williams College.
Both of our commencement speakers are exemplary business leaders who are strengthening communities and corporations through their careers and philanthropic efforts. They embody the concept of “good business” that we strive to instill in every Bentley student, and I know they will inspire our graduates and their families. I am thrilled to welcome them to campus for our commencement ceremonies on May 16 and 17.
Sincerely,
President Chrite