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SALT LAKE CITY — Robert McDonald was selected by the University of Utah as their commencement speaker for this graduating class.
McDonald, a University of Utah alumnus, was nominated by President Barak Obama July 29, 2014 to become the eighth person to serve as U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs. McDonald previously served as the CEO of Procter & Gamble.
The commencement for Utah graduates will take place on May 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Huntsman Center.
“Sec. McDonald has a wealth of experience gained from his early days at West Point and storied military career, his leadership at Procter & Gamble and his current influential role,” U. President David Pershing said. “He is a true leader who exhibits integrity, character, wisdom and the values needed for success."
McDonald is an Army veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne Division. Upon leaving military service, McDonald was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1975 and earned an MBA from the U. in 1978.
McDonald and his wife, Diane, are the founders of the McDonald Cadet Leadership Conference at West Point, which brings together university students from around the world and pairs them with senior business, nongovernmental organizations and government leaders in interactive learning experiences.
