Bentley University Tabs Former Gov. Baker, Tripadvisor CEO As 2023 Commencement Speakers

WALTHAM, MA — It's no selection Sunday, but Bentley University has tabbed one of the biggest names attached to the NCAA as their commencement speaker.

The Waltham University announced former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA President Charlie Baker as its undergraduate commencement speaker for 2023. Its graduate speaker is no slouch either in cofounder and former CEO of Tripadvisor Stephen Kaufer.

Baker is set to deliver the keynote address at the university's 104th undergraduate ceremony during his first year as the head of the NCAA. Prior to that, he served as governor from 2015-2023.

It's unique timing, as he'll speak to some undergraduate athletes in the crowd who helped Bentley achieve the highest athletic graduation rates in the country for six years in a row.

The latest NCAA Division II Academic Success Rate report found that 99 percent of Bentley student-athletes went on to graduate from the university.

Kaufer will speak at the 48th commencement ceremony for Bentley's McCallum Graduate School of Business, giving his first commencement address since stepping down as CEO of Tripadvisor.

“At Bentley, we know that business can be a force that changes the world, so I’m thrilled that our graduates at this year’s commencement will hear from such inspiring, accomplished executives who have exemplified this ideal over the course of their careers,” said Bentley President E. LaBrent Chrite.

“Charlie Baker and Steve Kaufer exemplify the type of entrepreneurial and collaborative leadership to which our graduates aspire, and it will be an honor to welcome them to Bentley University.”

Bentley University’s graduate and PhD commencement ceremony will be held on May 19 and the undergraduate ceremony will take place on May 20. More than 1,700 students will receive diplomas, the university said.

Undergraduate students will receive bachelor’s degrees from a variety of business and liberal arts programs.

Graduate students will receive advanced degrees that include a Master’s in Business Administration, Master’s in Business Analytics and Master’s in Finance.

At the respective ceremonies, Baker and Kaufer will receive honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degrees.

More information about commencement can be found here.