Jonathan Reckford, Luce Scholar from 1986-1987, will give the 2019 commencement address at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this Friday, May 12, 2019. During his Luce Year, Reckford worked in South Korea for the Seoul Olympic Organizing Committee. He is currently the CEO of global service organization, Habitat for Humanity.
In 2003, Jonathan T.M. Reckford had been a successful business executive at some of the nation’s major corporations when he felt a calling to serve others in a deeper way. He left the corporate world behind to become a pastor and now leads the world’s foremost global nonprofit housing organization.
The Carolina alumnus, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1984, will return to deliver the Commencement address at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Spring Commencement on May 12 in Kenan Stadium.
“Since leaving Carolina and his hometown of Chapel Hill, Jonathan’s career in business and service to people around the world as CEO of Habitat for Humanity International has changed millions of lives,” said Interim Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz. “Jonathan’s message of global service to others will motivate our graduates as they begin the next chapter of their lives. I know he will inspire the Class of 2019.”