Starbucks CEO Schultz will speak at Arizona State’s commencement

PHOENIX — College commencements often feature a guest speaker, whether it be someone the students know on a personal level or someone who has wide-known recognition.

In May, Arizona State University will host a prominent national figure at its May 8 undergraduate commencement, bringing in Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz.

He will address the expected 20,000 graduating students and their guests at Sun Devil Stadium, where he will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

“First, Howard Schultz is one of America’s most creative corporate leaders,” ASU President Michael Crow said Monday. “He’s committed to not only the success of his corporation, Starbucks, but he’s committed also to the success of each individual employee, what they call partners.

“So, through his commitment to what we call conscious capitalism, this was an exciting opportunity for us to highlight this kind of business leader, this business leader that’s interested in the development of the individual, the enhancement of the individual as a part of being an employee of Starbucks.”

Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 as director of operations and marketing when the company had just four stores. He became the CEO in 1987, and has remained in that role for 30 years. Now the coffee chain has over 25,000 stores in 75 countries.

KTAR’s Lauren Grifo contributed to this report.

Related

‘We know it’s gonna be close,’ Gov. Katie Hobbs says as likely Andy Biggs matchup loomsLive updates for Arizona’s 2026 primaries: Supervisor explains technical issueTechnical issues disrupt a small number of Maricopa County voters on Election DayElection changes could lead to quicker results in Maricopa County, Adrian Fontes says3 defendants sentenced to years in prison in Arizona meth trafficking caseMain roadway between Maricopa and metro Phoenix reopens after fatal incident