Siena College President Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D. announced today that GE Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Immelt will receive an honorary degree during the College’s 2015 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 10 at the Times Union Center in Albany. Immelt will also deliver the commencement address.
“I am deeply honored to receive an honorary degree from Siena and to be asked to speak to the graduating Class of 2015,” Immelt said. “Siena and GE have many connections. We were born and grew up in the same region of New York and Siena alumni have helped GE succeed around the world as hundreds of graduates have become GE leaders. We greatly respect Siena’s leadership in liberal arts education, its strong community spirit and the way it prepares students for a life of service to others.”
Immelt is the ninth chairman of GE, a position he has held since September of 2001. Since joining GE In 1982, Immelt has held several global leadership positions, including roles in GE’s plastics, appliances and healthcare businesses. In 1989 he became a GE officer and joined the GE Capital Board in 1997.
Additionally, Immelt was the chair of President Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness. He is also a member of The American Academy of Arts & Sciences.
Immelt has received many honors and recognitions, including being named one of the “World’s Best CEOs” three times by Barron’s. His effort has also led to recognition for GE. Since Immelt began serving as chief executive officer, GE has been named “America’s Most Admired Company” in a Fortune magazine poll and one of “The World’s Most Respected Companies” in polls by Barron’s and the Financial Times.
“An honorary degree is the highest honor Siena can bestow on an individual and we are proud to recognize Jeffrey Immelt with this distinction,” said Siena College President Br. F. Edward, Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D. “Jeffrey is an accomplished executive with a proven track record of ethical leadership and service whose career success and values set a wonderful example for Siena graduates. We look forward to celebrating with him and the Class of 2015 at Commencement.”
Click here to see a complete list of Siena College’s honorary degree recipients.
