SIU Announces Marcia Bullard, Chair of America’s Charities Board of Directors, as the Keynote Speaker for Fall Commencement Ceremony

(Original Source: Kayli Plotner | Daily Egyptian)

Students graduating from Southern Illinois University after this semester will have the chance to hear final remarks from a graduate who went on to become the CEO of a national magazine.

Marcia Bullard, former president and CEO of USA WEEKEND and present Chair of America’s Charities Board of Directors, was announced as the keynote speaker for the Dec. 15 commencement ceremony. Originally from Springfield, Bullard began to report at age 17. She then earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from SIU in 1974 and went on to earn her master’s degree from George Washington University in 2001.

“We tell students that big things are within reach,” Chancellor Rita Cheng said. “Marcia demonstrates that in so many ways. She parlayed her SIU journalism degree into a very successful career. We were convinced Marcia is very much a role model who will inspire our graduates.”

Bullard was a founding editor of USA TODAY in 1982. She has worked for more than 36 years as a CEO, publisher, editor and reporter in the media.

“It was exciting to be able to be part of creating and launching a brand new newspaper because nothing like us had existed before,” Bullard said. “I don’t think there can be anything better to happen in your life than to be part of the launch of a new product. It’s challenging and scary and exciting, and if it’s successful it’s really exciting.”

“As our commencement speaker, Marcia will inspire our graduates to do another kind of important work,” Cheng said. “One of the foundations of our university has always been serving others, and Marcia is a leader in this area as well.”

Steve Delfin, president and CEO of America’s Charities, said Bullard is heavily involved in philanthropy and understands the role of leadership.

“Marcia has been a prolific leader,” he said. “She is both strategic and hands-on. She has brought structure and standards to how we do business, and she asks all the right questions. She brings a discipline to her volunteer roles as well as her business.”

Read more about Marcia’s inspiring career accomplishments and learn about her current involvement as an SIU Alumna.