“I’m hoping that at commencement he will tell his story because he’s lived a very interesting life, but he also does good wherever he goes.” “I’ve known him for a number of years and I’ve heard him speak before, so there are things about him that I think would be of particular interest to Simpson students,” Kelley said. Radia’s story specifically appealed to members of the committee.
“I didn’t know there were so many people involved in it.” “It was kind of cool being on the committee,” McAreavy said. Seniors Tyson Wirtz and McAreavy were the student representatives on the committee. “We wanted to find someone who students walk out and say ‘That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.’ Students are what matter.” “Students were very active because it’s their commencement,” said Jerry Kelley, executive assistant to the president. “I think that one of the things the committee pays attention to is the type of message students want to hear, so we really try to pick people who we think will provide students with a positive message they’ll enjoy to hear,” said Steve Griffith, senior vice president and dean of academic affairs. The committee was made up of faculty, staff and students. “Well, I was looking for relevancy, someone who is fairly well known as a philanthropist, and someone who has an interesting story,” Professor of Art David Richmond said. “We all said that we want a good message, we want a good story and something inspiring for graduation.” “They asked what we wanted in a speaker,” said Maddy McAreavy, senior and member of the committee that chose the speaker. Radia’s accomplishments and vocations line up with what the commencement speaker committee was looking for in a graduation address. His record is highlighted with awards ranging from his philanthropic ventures to his work with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community to aiding young professionals. Now Radia and his family live in West Des Moines. He arrived in the United States in 1971 to attend Iowa State University. Radia was born and grew up in Kampala, Uganda. “I think he has a great face for the diversification of Iowa.” “Suku Radia is a Des Moines business leader, he’s an immigrant, he’s become very active, involved in Iowa and greater Des Moines and he really shows some excellent leadership,” said Brian Steffen, professor and chair of the department of communication. Suku Radia, CEO and President of Bankers Trust, will be Simpson College’s 2012 spring commencement speaker.
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