Bill Kleyman, an alumnus of DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management will deliver the keynote address at the university’s commencement ceremonies Sunday, June 7, at the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Ill., at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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Kleyman, co-founder and CEO of Apolo, will address more than 2,000 graduates and will share his incredible journey from Ukrainian political asylum refugee to technology executive and entrepreneur.
Kleyman, co-founder and CEO of Apolo, will address more than 2,000 graduates and will share his incredible journey from Ukrainian political asylum refugee to technology executive and entrepreneur.
“When I stand in front of the graduating class of 2026, I’m not thinking of titles or careers. I’m thinking about the sacrifices they and their families have made and the resilience it took to get here,” he noted. “I think of my own family and what it means to have people believing in you before the world does. Every person in that room is exactly where they’re meant to be. Incredible things happen when you combine hard work with courage.”
“We are honored to have Bill join us as our keynote speaker to celebrate the Class of 2026,” added Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry University. “His journey is one of inspiration, strength, innovation and determination – qualities our learners display every day. We look forward to the advice as our graduates take that courageous next step in their careers.”
DeVry University’s Commencement Weekend
The commencement ceremonies are part of a two-day celebration. On Saturday, June 6, DeVry is hosting “DeVry Day,” featuring career planning sessions and an alumni networking reception, where the university will also recognize outstanding graduates through its annual Alumni Awards.
Commencement is a celebration for all graduates. On Sunday, graduates of both DeVry University and Keller Graduate School of Management from across the country have been invited to attend the in-person ceremonies. Additionally, more than 70 high school students from DeVry University’s dual-enrollment Advantage Academy in Chicago, Ill. will cross the graduation stage, earning an associate degree alongside their high school diploma. For those unable to travel or attend in person, DeVry will also host virtual commencement ceremonies on Sunday, July 12, so they and their families can celebrate wherever they reside.
About Bill Kleyman
Bill Kleyman is a technology executive and AI infrastructure leader with more than 20 years of experience in data centers, cloud and digital infrastructure. He is the CEO and co-founder of Apolo, an AI platform and infrastructure company focused on enabling scalable, efficient AI deployments across enterprise and data center environments.
He also serves as the Executive Chair of Data Center Programs at Informa and Co-Chair of the People Committee at Infrastructure Masons. Kleyman is a regular guest lecturer at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, where he teaches courses on data centers, cloud and emerging technologies.
His career includes executive leadership roles at Switch, EPAM Systems, MTM Technologies and World Wide Fittings, where he led initiatives in hyperscale infrastructure, cloud architecture and enterprise transformation.
A globally recognized speaker and author, Kleyman contributes to leading industry publications such as Data Center Frontier, Data Center Knowledge, ITPro Today and InformationWeek. He is also a co-author of the “Greener Data” book series. In 2021, he received the iMasons Education Champion Award.
For Kleyman, returning to his alma mater to address graduates marks a “full circle moment.”
“To be able to return to my alma mater, a place that helped shape so much of what I do, is truly inspirational. It comes with a profound sense of pride and responsibility,” he said. “I once walked the same path as these students, and together we’re part of something truly special. I hope that my story resonates with them, that they feel seen, energized, and when they leave, maybe just a little braver than when they arrived.”
About DeVry University
DeVry University strives to close society’s opportunity gap and address emerging talent needs by preparing learners to thrive in careers shaped by continuous technological change. Founded in 1931, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs onsite and online in Business, Healthcare and Technology. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC, www.hlcommission.org/). The university’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. To learn more, visit devry.edu.
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Michaela Feldmann
DeVry University
Michaela.Feldmann@devry.edu
630-505-7269
