A total of 458 graduate students from the Wake Forest University School of Business marked the completion of their academic programs on Saturday, May 17, during a hooding ceremony at Wait Chapel on the University’s Reynolda Campus. The event recognized graduates from management, accountancy, business analytics, and business administration programs.
The ceremony featured Carmine Di Sibio, former Global Chairman and CEO of EY, as the keynote speaker. Di Sibio, a first-generation college graduate originally from Italy with nearly four decades in global financial services and leadership, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree by the university.
In his address, Di Sibio shared advice for success with the graduates. He urged them to be thoughtful and express gratitude in both professional and personal contexts. He also emphasized patience in career decisions rather than hastily pursuing higher salaries or perceived better opportunities. Highlighting that 77 percent of new CEOs promoted in 2024 came from within their organizations with over 15 years of experience at their current company, he noted that long-term commitment often leads to growth and leadership roles.
Di Sibio also stressed the importance of in-person collaboration: “Being there physically is so important to your development, to the development of others, to the culture of the organization,” he said. Additionally, he underscored cultivating emotional intelligence alongside intellectual intelligence as crucial for strong leadership and meaningful relationships.
Annette L. Ranft, Dean and F.M. Kirby Foundation Chair in Business Excellence, acknowledged the graduates’ achievements: “You are leaving an unforgettable legacy as leaders who have demonstrated grit and resilience,” she said. She also recognized three retiring faculty members: Tom Aleman in Accounting – Analytics; Roger Beahm in Marketing; and Gordon McCray in Management Information Systems for their combined service exceeding 57 years.
A recording of the hooding ceremony is available online for those interested.
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