March 3, 2017
Dear Marietta College Family: 

Marietta College has a rich history, which includes an impressive list of graduates who have gone on to have successful careers and fulfilling lives. While there is no way to put any graduate on top of the list, Robert R. Dyson ’68 would be in the conversation.

That’s why I am honored and excited to announce that Rob, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at The Dyson-Kissner-Moran Corporation, has agreed to deliver the Commencement address at our graduation ceremony on May 7, 2017.

A successful businessman, philanthropist and committed citizen, Rob has displayed leadership in a variety of fields, and excelled in all. Rob is a Director of The Dyson Foundation, and has also served as Director of Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation and Health Quest Systems.

Rob continues to be a loyal alumnus, and a passionate supporter of Marietta College. On two different occasions, Rob partnered with his close friend and fellow Class of 1968 classmate, Laura Baudo Sillerman, to kick start two major projects at the College. They each donated $5 million toward the construction of the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center.

Recognizing how much that construction project had a positive impact on the College, Rob and Laura stepped up again and provided another $10 million gift — $5 million each — toward the construction of Legacy Library.

Rob has served on the College’s Board of Trustees, as well as the board at Marist College. He has represented Marietta College over the years in many ways, including through his induction into the Ohio Foundation of Independent College’s Hall of Excellence in 2007.

He received his B.A. in Economics from Marietta College, his MBA from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Marietta College in 2004. In 2000, he received the Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal, an award given to individuals who exemplify former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s humanitarian spirit.

You can see why I’m so honored that Rob has agreed to return to campus and speak to the Class of 2017. I encourage all of you to join us at 1:00 p.m.,Sunday, May 7th, in the DBRC to celebrate with our graduates and show our appreciation for fellow Pioneer, Rob Dyson.

Sincerely,

Bill Ruud
President