‘Take a leap of faith and get comfortable betting on yourselves’

In his final Commencement as chairman of the Suffolk University Board of Trustees, Robert C. Lamb, Jr., confessed to the Sawyer Business School’s Class of 2026 that he had initially consulted AI for speech suggestions. But, he said, “I immediately graded them as failures.”

So rather than pass along AI-generated “advice,” Lamb spoke from the heart, sharing lessons learned during his life’s journey as a first-generation college student, West Point graduate and infantry officer, successful corporate leader, husband, father, and grandfather.

“Keep your options open. And keep pushing back against silos,” said Lamb, the former executive vice president and CFO at FleetBoston Financial Group. Lamb was awarded an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree at the Sawyer Business School ceremony, one of three Suffolk commencements held at Boston’s Leader Bank Pavilion on Sunday, May 17.

‘While failure will always be a possibility, I think that not taking risks has its own risks’

Drawing from moments in his own career, Lamb told the students that success in life and business means taking risks, and he encouraged students to do just that. “I would hate to think that our world, which needs your talents and dedication desperately, might be missing out on all that you can bring to make our world better. That would be a tragedy. You have the power to make a difference.”

Another major theme Lamb espoused to graduates was the idea of cultivating a village, starting with “that group of loving family members, caring close friends, and extended members of the Suffolk community who contributed to making this day happen. Celebrate with your village today and work to strengthen it always.”

Lamb closed his remarks by exhorting graduates to be persistent. “Don’t worry about how long it takes you to reach your goal or the finish line,” he concluded. “If your goal is worthwhile, keep going, succeed, and then, look forward to celebrating with your village.”

‘You have emerged with what I believe is a superpower’

Suffolk University President Marisa J. Kelly told graduates that “past generations have experienced disruption as an exception.” But for the Class of 2026, learning to navigate upheaval brought on by both the pandemic and rapidly evolving technology, she said, “has made you stronger—more resilient, adaptable, and open to possibilities.”

And in a world so focused on AI, she added, “you have emphasized human connection, in ways technology cannot replace.”

She recounted several examples of how members of the Class of 2026 used technology, AI, and their skills to help small businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities navigate business landscapes that are constantly changing. “In the midst of a technological revolution,” she said, “you have never lost sight of the fact that humanity matters most.”

Kelly concluded by pointing out that the Class of 2026 “has the skills needed to adapt to fast-changing technologies, shifting realities, and a wide range of career paths. You are ready to succeed in a world where the only certainty is change.”

‘Exactly where we were meant to be’

The undergraduate class greeting was delivered by Michael Oliveri, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in finance. Oliveri recounted a childhood diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and the challenges of living with the condition, sharing how he refused to let the diagnosis limit him. Indeed, Oliveri said, that diagnosis became a privilege, “for it has exposed me to a community that has taught me nothing is life is guaranteed, nor should it be taken for granted.”

That lesson informed how Olivieri approached his four years as an undergraduate at the Sawyer Business School, including his role as president of Suffolk’s Finance and Investing Club. That leadership experience, he said, shaped him into someone who could be relied upon. Not, he said, “because of what I achieved, but because of who I have become through the people around me. I have learned that you must be a part of your community before being able to make an impact upon it.”

Graduate student Commencement speaker Kavya Sethumadhavan, who earned a Master of Business Analytics degree, described her experiences as an international student and the commonality all Sawyer Business School students manage to find during their time as students. “Each of us arrived here with a different story,” said Sethumadhavan. “Some had family close by. And some learned to live far from them. Some of us crossed oceans, time zones, and entire worlds to be here. But we were united by this: Suffolk and the Sawyer Business School made us feel like we were exactly where we were meant to be.”

About Robert C. Lamb, Jr.

As chair of the Suffolk University Board of Trustees for nearly a decade, Robert C. Lamb, Jr., has brought the highest ethical standards to the University’s governance while fostering a culture of integrity, care, and continuous improvement. Lamb joined the Suffolk board as a charter trustee and chair in 2016 and has led with a deep commitment to the University’s essential mission and to the vital role that Suffolk plays in preparing students for professional success and positive community impact.

Lamb’s distinguished career includes serving as chief financial officer of major financial institutions, managing a $2.3 billion initial public offering on NASDAQ, and chairing the audit committee of a New York Stock Exchange company. He served as chair and CEO of Allied International Holdings, Inc., and held executive vice president/chief financial officer roles at FleetBoston Financial Group and KPMG Consulting Inc.

A West Point graduate and former infantry officer, Lamb also brought extensive nonprofit leadership experience to his work with the Suffolk board. He holds an MBA from Long Island University.

Commencement 2026

The Sawyer Business School Class of 2026 comprises 697 new alumni, with 400 undergraduate and 297 graduate degrees awarded.

The ceremony was one of three Suffolk Commencements held on Sunday, May 17, at Boston’s Leader Bank Pavilion. The University conferred a total of 2,066 undergraduate and advanced degrees to graduates from 42 states and 62 different countries. Thirty-four percent of Suffolk’s 1,161 undergraduate degree recipients are first-generation college students.

Download the SBS program [PDF]