Stacey Cunningham, a 1996 graduate and former president of the Fresh York Stock Exchange, is scheduled to deliver the 158th undergraduate commencement speech on May 17. Cunningham returns to the university as a trailblazer in the financial sector, having served as the 67th president of the exchange from 2018 to 2022.
A Historic Path to Leadership
Cunningham’s appointment in May 2018 marked a historic milestone, as she became the first woman to lead the New York Stock Exchange. During her tenure, she oversaw both the exchange and the broader New York Stock Exchange Group.
Her professional trajectory was influenced early on by an internship on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange while she was a student at Lehigh. This experience, paired with an interest in business, led her to study industrial engineering, a field she viewed as practical for her goals.
Addressing the Uncertainty of Graduation
Now 30 years after her own graduation, Cunningham aims to offer an “essence of confidence” to the current graduating class. She noted that today’s graduates are entering a rapidly changing world characterized by intimidating and unanswerable questions.
Cunningham believes that effort is the primary driver of success in all areas of life. “I want (graduates) to walk away knowing the more they put into things, the more they’ll get out of them, and that’s not just your education or your career,” she said. “That’s life.”
Regarding the pressure of entering the professional world, Cunningham advised students that “it’s okay to be scared, but don’t let fear determine how you act.”
Impact on Current Students and Faculty
Professor Nandu Nayar, former chair of Lehigh’s Department of Finance, stated that Cunningham exemplifies the act of breaking barriers in financial leadership. He noted that the complexity of managing the exchange’s many moving parts requires a highly organized leader.
Nayar suggested that students could benefit from hearing about the setbacks Cunningham encountered, as the reality of a career is often shaped by unexpected challenges rather than a linear progression.
Allie Dubler, a finance major in the class of 2026, views Cunningham as evidence of how the university prepares students for business careers. Dubler highlighted the role of structured coursework and women-focused finance and business organizations on campus in supporting female students.
As the ceremony approaches, students may look to Cunningham’s experience to learn strategies for establishing a professional presence and balancing high-level responsibilities under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Stacey Cunningham deliver the commencement speech?
The speech is scheduled for May 17 during the 158th undergraduate commencement.
What was Stacey Cunningham’s role at the New York Stock Exchange?
She was the 67th president of the New York Stock Exchange, serving from 2018 to 2022, and was the first woman to hold that position.
What did Stacey Cunningham study at Lehigh?
Cunningham pursued a degree in industrial engineering, a choice she found practical and well-suited to her goals.
How does the prospect of a non-linear career path change your perspective on post-graduation success?
