Ken Freeman, Bucknell class of 1972, will be delivering this year’s Commencement address. Freeman is a Dean Emeritus at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, and has served as a three-time trustee at Bucknell. He is also the namesake of the Freeman College of Management. In 2018, he was awarded with the Stephen W. Taylor Medal, one of Bucknell’s highest honors. Freeman was, himself, a business administration major at Bucknell; he continues to visit campus “frequently,” usually “a few times a year.” 

About his time as an undergraduate, Freeman recalls most fondly “the people”— students, faculty and staff who were all unwaveringly “caring, committed and friendly.” Every time Freeman returns to campus, the experience “brings back fond memories” of Bucknell as “a special place, with faculty and staff that has had a profound impact” on both Freeman himself, as well as “so many” other Bucknellians. 

Freeman’s own time at Bucknell undoubtedly “broadened [his] horizons.” As he moved into his professional career, which has spanned industries and billions of dollars, he felt Bucknell had provided him with “a solid foundation in the liberal arts and the language of business.” Fundamentally, Bucknell “ignited” in Freeman a “passion for lifelong learning”; it was on this campus that he “learned the importance of curiosity, flexibility and perseverance.” Even today, the University still represents for him a robust institution centered on real learning. Bucknell, to Freeman, “provides outstanding educational experience for the next generations of global citizens and leaders” who will, moving forward, “make a difference.” 

The return to campus for this year’s commencement ceremony is one Freeman is highly anticipating. He’s “looking forward to a wonderful day celebrating the class of 2026,” and delivering his commencement speech that will offer “a glimpse of the past, present, and future.” Freeman hopes that this class will “use [their] talents” to help to “make the world a better place.” His advice as every graduating senior begins to navigate their futures is to “live life to the fullest, always keep learning, take advantage of opportunities to make a difference,” and of course, “take care of yourself.” 

Freeman’s address will be a part of the 2026 Commencement Ceremony programming.