John Kelly III '76, a technology pioneer and one of the driving forces behind advanced computing and artificial intelligence research, will be the featured speaker at Union’s 232nd Commencement. More than 500 students will receive degrees during the ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday, June 14, on Roger Hull Plaza. In the event of inclement weather, Commencement will be held indoors nearby at the M&T Bank Center. Due to limited seating capacity, rain tickets will be required. During his 40-year career at IBM, Kelly was instrumental in establishing and maintaining IBM’s industry leadership across myriad technologies, ranging from semiconductors to supercomputers, from artificial intelligence to quantum computing. He will receive an honorary doctorate of engineering. “We are so honored and delighted to have one of Union’s most distinguished and loyal alumni, Dr. John Kelly, speak at Commencement,” said President Elizabeth Kiss. “John has been at the forefront of technological innovation throughout his career and is a wonderful example of how Union nurtures leaders who are able to combine technical brilliance with essential liberal arts skills. It is also particularly fitting to have John share his reflections with the Class of 2026, exactly 50 years after his own Union graduation.” At Union, Kelly majored in physics. He has credited his Union education with preparing him for his career. “Union College was the perfect fit for me. The unique combination of STEM and liberal arts taught me to think deeply, but also broadly,” Kelly said in an interview in 2024. “My physics education set the base for my career building computers, while my courses in psychology, political science and philosophy gave me the human perspective to lead and be a responsible technologist. Kelly joined IBM in research and development after earning a Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Kelly held many positions during