Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business
Commencement 2025
May 8–11, 2025
Michael Acquaah-Harrison (BA 2025) — University Commencement
Tepper School of Business senior Michael Acquaah-Harrison was the official student speaker at Carnegie Mellon University’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony. This event, held at Gesling Stadium, celebrated all bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree candidates from across the university.
A business major with a passion for service and community, Acquaah-Harrison has made a meaningful impact across campus through his involvement in athletics, student leadership, and mentorship. His selection as commencement speaker reflects his ability to connect with peers, inspire others, and articulate the shared experience of the Class of 2025. Chosen for his standout leadership, unwavering spirit, and embodiment of CMU’s core values, he was the voice of the graduating class in one of the university’s most honored traditions.
Click here to watch the Carnegie Mellon University commencement ceremony.
Brett Gordon (MS 2004, Ph.D. 2007) — Ph.D.
Brett Gordon is the Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Marketing at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. His award-winning research focuses on pricing, advertising, and competitive strategy, and he serves as co-editor of the Journal of Marketing Research. A prolific scholar and podcast host, Gordon earned all his degrees, including a bachelor’s, two master’s degrees, and a Ph.D. in Economics, from Carnegie Mellon.
Click here to watch the Ph.D. diploma and hooding ceremony.
Benjamin Smith (MSIA 1993) — Specialty Master’s (MSM, MSPM, MSBA, MSCF)
Benjamin Smith is a Senior Partner at Kearney, where he leads the Digital and Analytics practice and advises on innovation, technology, and geopolitical strategy. An entrepreneur, investor, and public policy advisor, he has launched companies, served on numerous boards, and played a key role in shaping the firm’s global strategy and venture capital initiatives.
Click here to watch the specialty masters ceremony.
William Meaney (MSIA 1986) — MBA
William Meaney is President and CEO of Iron Mountain, a global leader in information management and data centers. Previously, he led The Zuellig Group and held executive roles at Swiss International Airlines and South African Airways. He serves on the boards of State Street Corporation and Massachusetts General Hospital and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Click here to watch the MBA ceremony.
Alex Chen (BS 2025) — Tepper School Undergraduate
Alex Chen is a 2025 graduate with a bachelor’s in business administration, an additional major in statistics and machine learning, and a minor in computer science. During his time as an undergraduate, Alex was involved in the Tepper Finance Group, Sigma Pi, CMU Technology Group, Lunar Gala, and served as an Orientation Counselor. He is now an Investment Banking Analyst at Evercore in New York City.
Click here to watch the undergraduate ceremony.
Story by Katelyn McNally
Photography by Michael Will