The Saint Mary's Class of 2012 will welcome Mellody Hobson as their commencement speaker Saturday.
Hobson, a 1991 graduate of Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of International Relations and Public Policy, will receive an honorary doctor of humanities degree from the College. She currently serves as president of the Chicago-based money management firm Ariel Investments and as chair of the board of trustees for the firm's mutual funds.
Hobson is an expert on financial literacy and investor education and is a regular contributor to ABC's "Good Morning America." She is also on the board of directors of Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., Groupon and Starbucks Corp.
Senior Kate Park said she thinks Hobson's wealth of experience will provide for a meaningful address.
"Based on her history and career, I think she can be a very informative speaker for the Class of 2012," she said. "She seems to have many worldly experiences, as well as [success] in the business world. Therefore, she can give many of us Belles helpful tips on how to become successful after Saint Mary's."
Senior Allie Courtney said she is looking forward to Hobson's commencement address.
"I am very excited about this year's commencement speaker," she said. "Mellody Hobson is an incredibly accomplished woman and an exemplary role model to all of us. Her work and accomplishments are very impressive, and I can't wait to hear her speak."
Senior Catherine Swanson said she expects Hobson's speech to be engaging and memorable due to her many interesting life experiences.
"I'm really looking forward to hearing about her experiences and how she got to where she is today," she said. "She will have a lot of interesting things to say and I am grateful for the chance to listen to her."
Park said Hobson's success as a woman in business will inspire the Class of 2012.
"I am looking forward to being with my fellow Saint Mary's sisters and enjoying our last moments together as we listen to a woman who embodies all that we embody: a Saint Mary's education," she said. "I am hoping we will be inspired from the address."
Courtney said Hobson's broad expertise will be a valuable contribution to her final moments as a Saint Mary's student.
"I think she is very relevant to our class," she said. "Our class truly appreciates the community at Saint Mary's and how we have grown as strong, confident and empowered women because of it. Her example as a truly successful woman is inspiring to us."
Commencement will be held Saturday at 12 p.m. on LeMans Green.
