NYSE's Stacey Cunningham Inspires Lehigh Grads to Embrace Bold Choices
Stacey Cunningham, the first woman to lead the New York Stock Exchange in its 200-year history, addressed Lehigh University’s Class of 2026 at their undergraduate Commencement. Speaking on 17 May, she shared insights from her career, urging graduates to embrace curiosity and resilience in their own paths. The ceremony also celebrated 1,447 students as they received their degrees. Cunningham began her career in civil engineering before transitioning into finance. She later rose to become president of the NYSE, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. During her speech, she highlighted the importance of adaptability and setting clear goals, noting how these principles shaped her own journey.
She paid tribute to trailblazers like Muriel Siebert, the first woman to own a seat on the NYSE, for paving the way for future generations. Cunningham also credited the Intercontinental Exchange’s success to its willingness to challenge conventional thinking—a lesson she encouraged graduates to apply in their own lives.
Beyond finance, she advised students to approach decisions with an investor’s mindset, weighing risks and opportunities carefully. The ceremony also recognised 96 graduates in the inaugural Future Makers Convocation, honouring their contributions to research, innovation, and community service. Cunningham’s address left graduates with a call to think boldly and act purposefully. Her career—marked by reinvention and leadership—served as a reminder of the value of resilience. The event closed with 1,447 new alumni stepping into their next chapters, equipped with lessons from a pioneering leader.
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