Over the weekend, Delta CEO Ed Bastian was bestowed with an honorary doctorate degree and delivered the commencement speech at Georgia Institute of Technology’s McCamish Pavilion. Prior to his address to the graduating class, Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera conferred upon him the prestigious honorary degree, recognizing Bastian’s remarkable contributions to his field and society at large.
Cabrera lauded Bastian’s exemplary leadership, particularly citing his resilience and effectiveness during the challenging years of the pandemic. Bastian, in turn, offered guidance to the graduating bachelor’s and master’s students, emphasizing the importance of their role in today’s world and urging them to embrace their potential to lead with courage.
Delta Air Lines and The Delta Air Lines Foundation have a longstanding partnership with Georgia Tech, demonstrated through various initiatives including sponsorship of Georgia Tech Athletics and collaboration with the Engineering School’s co-op program.
Bastian was one of five speakers who addressed the nearly 6,000 Georgia Tech graduates during the ceremony. Other speakers included Professor Baratunde Cola, Georgia Power CEO Kim Greene, entrepreneur Chris Klaus, and McKinsey & Company Managing Partner Tiffany Burns.