Ken Freeman '72 to Deliver Bucknell's 176th Commencement Address

Ken Freeman '72 — a distinguished business executive and academic leader — will deliver the Commencement address at Bucknell University's 176th Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

A first-generation college graduate whose professional journey bridges corporate leadership and higher education, Freeman is the namesake of Bucknell's Kenneth W. Freeman College of Management. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to ethical leadership, innovation and strategic growth — values central to Bucknell's educational mission.

Freeman built an accomplished career in the private sector, initially at Corning Incorporated, where he held financial and general management roles. He later led the spinoff of Quest Diagnostics, guiding its transformation as chairman and CEO into a global leader in diagnostic information services. After that role, Freeman was a partner at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., one of the world's leading investment firms.

In recognition of his corporate leadership, Harvard Business Review named Freeman one of the 100 Best-Performing CEOs in the World in both 2010 and 2013 — an honor that reflects his ability to drive sustained exceptional performance while navigating complex industry dynamics and organizational change.

Most recently, Freeman served as interim president of Boston University. He is dean emeritus and professor of the practice at BU's Questrom School of Business, where he served for eight years as the Allen Questrom Professor and Dean. During his deanship, Freeman oversaw the transformation of Questrom's undergraduate and MBA curricula, emphasizing ethics, global citizenship and industry sectors dramatically impacting the world economy. In 2014, he initiated the first-ever comprehensive global conversation between academia and industry about the future of business education.

Following his deanship, Freeman developed and taught MBA courses and seminars in crisis management, corporate turnarounds and leadership. He also held senior leadership roles at Boston University in human resources and online education.

"Ken Freeman embodies the very best of Bucknell — intellectual curiosity, principled leadership and a deep commitment to making a difference," says Bucknell President John C. Bravman. "As a visionary business leader, transformative academic dean and devoted alumnus, Ken has shaped institutions and lives around the world. His story and wisdom will inspire the Class of 2026 as they step forward to lead with integrity and purpose."

Freeman's connection to Bucknell extends far beyond his undergraduate years. A three-term trustee, he served as chair of the Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2018, helping guide the University through a period of strategic growth and academic investment. In 2018, Freeman and his wife, Janice, made a catalytic gift to Bucknell that led to the naming of the Kenneth W. Freeman College of Management, strengthening Bucknell's ability to prepare students for principled leadership in business and beyond.

In 2018, Freeman was honored with the Stephen W. Taylor Medal during the University's spring board meeting. Named for Bucknell's first president, the Taylor Medal is the University's highest honor. It is awarded to those who render extraordinary service to Bucknell and who best exemplify the spirit of Taylor, who inspired his fellow University founders to "rise and build." Freeman was completing his third and final term as chair of the board at the time, and was the 19th recipient of the award, which was established in 1972.

"I am honored and excited to speak at Bucknell's 176th Commencement," Freeman says. "Bucknell changed my life — opening the doors to self-discovery, lifelong learning, and striving to make a difference. For the Class of 2026, Bucknell has no doubt changed your lives as well. It is a privilege to celebrate the Bucknell experience with you, your friends and your families."

Freeman, who earned his MBA at Harvard Business School, has consistently championed the role of higher education in shaping ethical, globally minded leaders. His Commencement address will reflect both his professional experience and his enduring gratitude to the institution that helped launch his journey.

Commencement 2026
Bucknell University's 176th Commencement, celebrating the Class of 2026, will take place on Sunday, May 17, at 10 a.m. on Malesardi Quadrangle. Freeman joins a distinguished list of recent alumni Commencement speakers, following Jessica Livingston '93 (2025), Nadia Sasso '11 (2024), Jay Wright '83 (2023) and Daisy Auger-Domínguez '95 (2022).