ASU business school convocation speakers reflect success across industries
Mark McKenna and Tom Harris, 2 accomplished alumni, will return to the W. P. Carey School of Business to share lessons on leadership, service and success with more than 3,600 graduating Sun Devils
A graduate celebrates during Arizona State University’s fall 2025 convocation at Mountain America Stadium, joining thousands of Sun Devils marking a major milestone in their academic journey. ASU photo
In May, two distinguished Arizona State University alums will return to campus to address the more than 3,600 students graduating from the W. P. Carey School of Business.
Mark McKenna ('02 BS in marketing) and Tom Harris ('85 BS in accountancy; '92 MTax) have built careers rooted in uplifting others through education, service and giving. Both alums will share words of wisdom with the next generation of changemakers.
"Standing on stage as an ASU alumnus to speak at convocation is a true honor. It's a profound full-circle moment," says McKenna. "This place shaped my resilience, fueled my ambitions, and taught me the power of innovation and community."
A leader in the biotech industry, McKenna is chairman and CEO of Mirador Therapeutics and this year's undergraduate convocation speaker. ASU's McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program — established in 2025 by a generous gift from McKenna and his wife, fellow alum Sheri McKenna ('02 BS in marketing/finance) — will welcome its first cohort this fall.
McKenna is also the recipient of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 Pacific Southwest Award and the 2025 ASU Alumni Achievement Award.
"I am grateful to give back and remind every graduate that the same boundless opportunity that changed my life is now theirs," he says. "Fork 'em — our journey continues together."
Harris, the graduate convocation speaker, is executive vice president and chief financial officer of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has served the organization for more than 30 years, and under his leadership, the team became debt-free in 2019.
Harris serves on several boards, including the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, and is a W. P. Carey Alumni Hall of Fame honoree.
"This ceremony is an incredible milestone for so many students, their families, friends and the faculty who have guided them along their way," says Harris. "It is a privilege to join these graduates on this special day. Go, Devils."
The undergraduate convocation ceremonies will be held at 7:30 p.m. on May 12 and 13 at Mountain America Stadium on the ASU Tempe campus. The graduate convocation ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on May 15 at Desert Financial Arena on the ASU Tempe campus.
Learn more about W. P. Carey's undergraduate and graduate convocation ceremonies.