Notebaert to speak at Mendoza’s 2016 graduate commencement

Richard Notebaert, former CEO of Qwest Communications International and chair of the University of Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Mendoza College of Business' 2016 Graduate Commencement and Diploma Ceremony. The event takes place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, in the Joyce Center Purcell Pavilion.

The graduate programs bestowing degrees include Notre Dame MBA, Executive MBA, Master of Nonprofit Administration, Master of Science in Accountancy, Master of Science in Management, Master of Science in Finance and Master of Science in Business Analytics.

As the CEO of Qwest from June 2002 until August 2007, Notebaert spearheaded the company's turnaround from near-bankruptcy to financial stability. He previously served as CEO of Tellabs Inc. and as chairman and CEO of Ameritech, as well as a director of Aon Corporation and of Cardinal Health Inc. A member of the Notre Dame board of trustees since 1997, he also is a fellow of the University.

Notebaert has received a number of honors and awards, including the 1999 Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and four honorary degrees. He earned his bachelor’s degree and his MBA from the University of Wisconsin.