The School will hold its 59^th commencement ceremony this Friday June 15, in celebration of the collective accomplishments of the class of 2018, who model the depth and scope of the School’s mission at this 70 year milestone. We are excited to announce that the Commencement Address will be delivered by Kenneth I. Chenault, a member of the class of 1969 and former Chief Executive Officer of The American Express Company. Mr. Chenault will speak to graduates about how his Waldorf education guided his success in business and the importance of pursuing one’s passions.

“We are very excited to celebrate the past and future successes of our dynamic senior class during their commencement ceremony,” said Roland R. Rothenbucher, High School Chair. “These exceptional students exemplify the purpose, gratitude and respect that the School has incorporated into its curriculum for over 70 years; their leadership and love for their School has impressed us all. It is with immense pride and joy that we send them out into the world, confident that their contributions will make a difference.”

Mr. Chenault is currently the Managing Director at General Catalyst, where he guides the strategic development of investments made in existing and growing businesses with an eye towards global markets. Having spent the majority of his career at The American Express Company, Kenneth Chenault joined the company in 1981 as the Director of Strategic Planning and worked his way to CEO in 2001—a post he held until 2018. Widely recognized as one of the business world’s leading experts on brands and brand management, Mr. Chenault currently serves on the boards of Airbnb, Facebook, IBM, The Procter & Gamble Company, the Harvard Corporation and numerous nonprofit organizations. He holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a BA in history from Bowdoin College.

“We are excited to have such an accomplished alumnus address the members of the graduating class and share how his Waldorf education laid the framework for his success in business,” said Mr. Rothenbucher. “Mr. Chenault’s insight as a successful business executive and as a Waldorf alumnus will certainly encourage the members of the Class of 2018 to continue pursuing their passions throughout their lifetimes.”