John Kelly III '76, a technology pioneer and one of the driving forces behind advanced computing and artificial intelligence research, will be the featured speaker at Union’s 232nd Commencement.
More than 500 students will receive degrees during the ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday, June 14, on Roger Hull Plaza.
In the event of inclement weather, Commencement will be held indoors nearby at the M&T Bank Center. Due to limited seating capacity, rain tickets will be required.
During his 40-year career at IBM, Kelly was instrumental in establishing and maintaining IBM’s industry leadership across myriad technologies, ranging from semiconductors to supercomputers, from artificial intelligence to quantum computing.
John Kelly III '76
He will receive an honorary doctorate of engineering.
“We are so honored and delighted to have one of Union’s most distinguished and loyal alumni, Dr. John Kelly, speak at Commencement,” said President Elizabeth Kiss. “John has been at the forefront of technological innovation throughout his career and is a wonderful example of how Union nurtures leaders who are able to combine technical brilliance with essential liberal arts skills. It is also particularly fitting to have John share his reflections with the Class of 2026, exactly 50 years after his own Union graduation.”
At Union, Kelly majored in physics. He has credited his Union education with preparing him for his career.
“Union College was the perfect fit for me. The unique combination of STEM and liberal arts taught me to think deeply, but also broadly,” Kelly said in an interview in 2024. “My physics education set the base for my career building computers, while my courses in psychology, political science and philosophy gave me the human perspective to lead and be a responsible technologist.
Kelly joined IBM in research and development after earning a Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Kelly held many positions during his tenure, including senior vice president and director of IBM Research. When he retired in 2020, he was executive vice president (the No. 2 leader in the company). Kelly is often described by many in the industry as the “father" of Watson, the famous AI platform most known for competing against, and defeating, the two greatest champions of the game show “Jeopardy!” in 2011.
Since his retirement from IBM, Kelly has remained a leader in the technology sector, serving as an advisor to numerous companies. In 2024, he co-founded Global AI, a leading-edge AI computer provider. He currently serves as chairman and chief technical officer of the high-growth company.
A longtime supporter of Union, Kelly has been a member of the College’s Board of Trustees since 2003. He served as its chairman from 2015-2019, at which time he was named a life trustee. He also currently serves as chair of the Board of Trustees at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Kelly is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineers and a Fellow of the IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization. He also is the recipient of many of the highest awards in his industry and has been recognized by several leading academic institutions for his technology leadership.
This will be the first Union Commencement for President Kiss, who assumed the presidency of the College last July.
For more information on Commencement, visit the website.