Home SAP executive, JMU alumna named spring commencement speaker
State News

SAP executive, JMU alumna named spring commencement speaker

Chris Graham

James Madison University jmuRecently named as one of Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Business and by Forbes as one of the Most Powerful Women in the World and Technology, Jennifer Morgan (’93) is a proud graduate of James Madison University and has been selected as the May commencement speaker.

“We are delighted to have Ms. Morgan provide remarks at our spring commencement exercise and also celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates,” said JMU President Jonathan R. Alger. “Being an alumna of this great institution, Ms. Morgan is able to speak from her own experiences and demonstrate how the skills she learned on campus provided her own pathway to success.”

Morgan is the first American woman ever named to the executive board of SAP, one of the world’s largest cloud technology companies. In her role, she is president of the Americas and Asia Pacific Japan, regions encompassing 70 countries, more than 43,000 employees, nearly 230,000 customers and more than $15 billion in annual revenue.

Started in 1972, SAP is one of the world’s largest and most innovative cloud technology companies and one that has continually reinvented itself as the market leader in business software, helping hundreds of thousands of companies of all sizes and across every industry solve their most challenging business problems and run better. SAP operates in more than 130 countries and is represented by nearly 100,000 employees globally.

Through initiatives like its industry leading Autism at Work program and its receipt of EDGE certification, a recognition awarded by the World Economic Forum recognizing the company’s commitment to gender equality and equal pay in the workplace, Morgan has also become known as a leader committed to equal pay, diverse teams and an inclusive, winning culture – all of which lead to better business outcomes.

“Year after year, the achievements of my fellow JMU alumni serve as a reminder that a degree from JMU can take you anywhere. I run into fellow alumni all over the world and as a Duke, there is no higher honor than to celebrate the commencement of our next generation of leaders and alumni,” said Morgan.

Earlier this year, Morgan and her team launched A Call to Lead, a podcast extension of her successful event leadership series featuring short but meaningful conversations with leaders ranging from Arianna Huffington to Simon Sinek to share experiences and pass on wisdom to the next generation of leaders. Morgan has interviewed former U.S. presidents, entrepreneurs, CEOs and thinkers who are redefining what it takes to lead in the 21st century. In addition to her role at SAP, Morgan serves on the board of directors of the Bank of New York Mellon, the nonprofit board of the National Academy Foundation and the JMU College of Business Board of Advisors.

Graduation details

James Madison University’s Graduate School graduation will take place on Thursday, May 2, followed by commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4. Additional details can be found at www.jmu.edu/commencement. Morgan will speak during the undergraduate commencement ceremony on Friday, May 3 at 3:00 p.m. in Bridgeforth Stadium.

Support AFP

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].

Latest News

abigail spanberger
Politics

How Abigail Spanberger fixes her polling problem: Bombs, obviously

prescribed fire
Local News

Prescribed fires in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest

The North River Ranger District is planning prescribed fires in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest beginning Friday and running through the weekend.

spring in gypsy hill park in staunton
Arts, Culture, Media

Mark Historic Garden Week with tours of Staunton, Augusta County

The Augusta Garden Club is hosting a local event in conjunction with Historic Garden Week, with tours set for Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. beginning at John Moxie Memorial Stadium in Staunton.

UVA Softball
Etc.

UVA Softball: #17 ‘Hoos get back on track with 5-4 win over Louisiana

woman arrest handcuffs
Local News

Albemarle County: Babysitter, music teacher faces new child sex charges

michael malone
Basketball

UNC has its hoops coach: Salary, buyout details, from Michael Malone contract

uva basketball malik thomas
Basketball

Mailbag: Question about the lack of ball movement in the UVA offense