Boston Businessman, Philanthropist Commencement Speaker at Lasell College

NEWTON, MA - Lasell College has named prominent Boston businessman, political figure and urban advocate Steve Grossman the 2016 Commencement speaker.

Grossman, a former state treasurer and gubernatorial candidate, is the current CEO of Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC). His company employs a staff of consultants dedicated to improving economic opportunities for inner city residents.

"The entire Lasell community welcomes Steve Grossman as our keynote Commencement speaker," Lasell President Michael B. Alexander said in a statement. "His experience as a respected business and political leader, combined with his new focus on the economic health and well-being of our inner cities, will surely inspire our students and their families."

Prior to taking over at ICIC Grossman served as the Massachusetts state treasurer from 2010-2015. Utilizing his position as treasurer, Grossman created the Small Business Banking Partnership, an initiative that moved close to $400 million of state deposits into community banks. This money was used to leverage more than 10,000 loans, valued at over $1.6 billion, primarily focused on businesses owned by women, minorities, immigrants and veterans.

Grossman has also held positions in many civic, philanthropic and political organizations.

He will receive an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at the May 15 ceremony. It will begin at 11 a.m. on Taylor Field.