Since my arrival at Syracuse University in 2005, there have been commencement speakers that represent an array of disciplines; not one of these speakers has had a business orientation. For this reason alone, it is now appropriate to welcome a commencement speaker from the corporate world.

Further, one of the core beliefs held dearly at SU is that experiences improve knowledge and make change. Martin J. Whitman School of Management students in particular take with them the spirits of innovation and transformation that are fostered at SU as they launch their careers in business. That core belief is enhanced by SU’s relationships with all types of organizations — including JPMorgan Chase, a company that has hired and supported SU students for generations.

Jamie Dimon, chairman and chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase, is among the most respected financial leaders in the world and is a major voice in the global economy and its recovery. As graduating students prepare to embark on a myriad of future careers, Mr. Dimon’s leadership and life experience — including acknowledgement of mistakes made in the financial industry — should be received as important insight and wisdom on how to negotiate an increasingly interconnected and ever-changing world — no matter the industry. The Whitman School looks forward to Mr. Dimon’s prescient remarks and is confident that SU students will all benefit from engaging with this global leader and from SU’s relationship with JPMorgan Chase.
 
Let’s remember: The presentation of a single speaker from the business world does not mean that SU is ‘sacrificing visionary goals’ any more than inviting a world-renowned poet or anthropologist as commencement speaker would be.
 
Melvin T. Stith
Dean, Martin J. Whitman School of Management