More than 1,000 degrees to be conferred during two ceremonies on Saturday, May 2 

Johnson & Wales University (JWU) today announced plans for its Providence Campus commencement exercises in May. The university will hold the ceremonies at the Amica Mutual Pavilion on Saturday, May 2. The graduate studies ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the undergraduate ceremony at 2 p.m.   

“Every year, we look forward to celebrating the hard work and achievements of our graduates at our commencement ceremonies,” said JWU Chancellor Mim Runey, LP.D. “It is a time-honored tradition connecting graduates across generations, and a celebration of the Wildcat Way.”  

This year, more than 1,000 degrees will be granted in Providence across both ceremonies, 180 graduate and 989 undergraduate.  

Aby Alexander, founder, president and CEO of BroadSat Technologies, will deliver the graduate commencement address in the morning. He is a visionary leader advancing next-generation connectivity to bridge the global digital divide. Through his leadership, he is redefining how networks are built — integrating broadcast, broadband and AI to deliver critical services such as telemedicine, remote learning, emergency communications and Smart City solutions to underserved communities. He leads the development of BroadSat Edge, an AI-enabled content delivery and connectivity platform that extends intelligence from towers to edge devices, enabling resilient, scalable and inclusive digital infrastructure. 

Alexander believes connectivity is a fundamental human right — one that unlocks opportunity, drives innovation and empowers communities worldwide. He holds a master’s degree from New Hampshire College (now Southern New Hampshire University), along with a Cybersecurity and Policy Certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School and additional certification from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

Johan Grahn will deliver the undergraduate commencement address in the afternoon. Grahn is a proud Johnson & Wales University graduate whose career in finance began on campus in the Office of the Treasurer, where he supported the management of the university’s endowment and developed the foundation for his work in investment leadership. Today, he serves as a Senior Vice President and Head of Exchange Traded Funds at Raymond James Investment Management, leading the development of a modern ETF business within Raymond James Financial’s network of more than 8,800 advisors and $1.6 trillion in client assets.

Each will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration during their respective ceremony.  

Learn more about Commencement at Johnson & Wales University   

About JWU  

Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 graduate, undergraduate and online students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina. An innovative educational leader, the university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, engineering, food innovation, hospitality, nutrition, health and wellness. It also offers undergraduate programs in culinary arts, dietetics and design. JWU’s unique model provides students with the personalized attention, academic expertise and industry connections that inspire professional success and personal growth. The time students spend at JWU is nothing short of transformative, as demonstrated by career outcomes, expected earnings and economic mobility rankings. The university’s impact is global, with alumni in 125 countries pursuing careers worldwide. For more information, visit jwu.edu.