On May 19, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School celebrated graduates of its MBA and specialized master’s programs with two commencement ceremonies at Baltimore’s Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Themes of taking risks and seizing opportunities echoed throughout the ceremonies.
In his keynote address to graduates, Christopher Schaper (MBA ’02) shared his experiences as chief risk officer for American International Group and from a 30-year career in the insurance and reinsurance industry. He explained that managing risk and adapting to life’s challenges is the key to success.
“Risk isn’t about avoiding decisions; it’s about choosing which paths and opportunities are worth taking to reach a goal,” Schaper said. “And, just to note, in life, anyone who wants zero risk should also choose zero ambition.”
To be successful leaders, Schaper noted that graduates must face challenges and learn to pivot as opportunities arise.
“The world needs leaders willing to take smart risks, make good decisions, and forge new paths—and you’re stepping into that moment. You now have the tools to assess uncertainty and decide,” said Schaper. “Your destiny isn’t fixed. It’s built—by how you adapt, how you learn, and how you move forward with intention.”
“Carey didn’t promise us certainty. It taught us that it’s okay to pause, pivot, change direction, and still advance relentlessly. It taught us to be boundlessly curious, to walk into rooms where we didn’t feel fully ready.”
Following the non-linear path
In her address to the Class of 2026, Master of Finance graduate Danlin Yang explained how her Carey experience taught her to rethink her own career. Yang said she pivoted from her plan to pursue investment banking by leaving her comfort zone and taking courses in AI and fintech.
“I realized I didn’t come to Carey just to add another line to my résumé. I’m here trying, exploring, and finding the ‘next’ for me,” Yang said. “Carey didn’t promise us certainty. It taught us that it’s okay to pause, pivot, change direction, and still advance relentlessly. It taught us to be boundlessly curious, to walk into rooms where we didn’t feel fully ready.”
MBA graduate Ira Sharma echoed similar themes of charting one’s own course.
“I came here believing I was only a designer. My education had always been unconventional—learning poetry in the forest, math beside a lotus pond, and a strong foundation in human-centered design,” Sharma said. “And now, I am leaving knowing that I’m not just one thing, I’m multi-faceted: creative and analytical, non-linear, yet structured. Living with imagination, alongside the spreadsheets.”
Sharma also noted she drew inspiration and support from her classmates, particularly during difficult times. She likened her Carey experience to the life of jellyfish, which moves with the current but has its own direction, and whose power multiplies when they come together.
Putting people first
Dean Alex Triantis presided over the ceremonies, which included more than 1,000 graduates and their families. He noted that this year’s ceremonies took place as Johns Hopkins University celebrated its 150th anniversary. He challenged graduates to build a foundation of achievement for the next 150 years by keeping humanity first.
“Commit to business with humanity in mind and to building a better society, and always remember that the problems you’ll be solving involve real people’s lives and livelihoods,” Triantis said. “As graduates, your challenge now and in the future will be to take your commitment, experience, and adaptability to make our world a safer, healthier, and more just and equitable place for all.”
