“Unwavering humanity” is a recurring theme for Spring 2023 graduation

Modern business holds promise for great innovation and cutting-edge technology, but it was a commitment to the human spirit that resonated throughout Carey Business School’s spring 2023 graduation.

Johns Hopkins Carey Business School graduated 400 students on May 23 at Baltimore’s Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. A succession of speakers touched on the commitment to unwavering humanity, a core value of the Carey Business School.

Jon Ilani, who spoke on behalf of the full-time MBA program, came to Carey to switch to a career in the medical technology field. He said, “So, as we move on from Carey, with some uncertainty about our future, I want us to make a promise to ourselves today. Let’s aim to like ourselves, what we do, and how we do it. Let’s never negotiate our sense of self or integrity or take the easy road. Instead, let’s pursue our dreams in a way that aligns with our values, who we are now, and who we may want to become.”

MA/MBA Design Leadership graduate Heather Laiter followed with an address on behalf of the part-time programs. Laiter said, “My heart is so full to be graduating with such remarkable people. I’m so thankful for all of you. Let’s continue to celebrate with each other.”

In his remarks, Dean Alex Triantis noted that today’s AI technology revolution will disrupt and change our lives and the ways we conduct business. As our society learns to navigate these changes his advice to graduates is, “Put your faith in people as you ‘Build for what’s next.’ As graduates, your challenge now is to take the experience you’ve gained, the adaptability you’ve shown, and the commitment you’ve demonstrated to make our world a safer, healthier, and more just and equitable place for all.”

In addition to Dean Triantis, graduates heard from Vice Dean Goker Aydin and Professor K. Davina Frick, as well as Claudia DeCarlo (MS IS ’15) secretary of the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association.

Carey alumna and health IT executive Jenny G. Morgan (MAS ’86) shared her insights on building a successful career and fulfilling life during her keynote address to the graduates. Morgan is the board chair of Bridgeway Benefit Technologies LLC, and she recently retired as president and CEO of Bridgeway. Morgan spent more than 30 years building successful, growth-oriented technology companies focused on the health sector. She’s also an active member of the Dean Advisory Council at Carey Business School.

“As a business leader, I believed in treating employees as the most important asset of the company,” said Morgan. “As a responsible leader, I encourage you to always treat your employees fairly and how you would like to be treated.”