Kellogg Convocation

Celebrating the Class of 2025

This year’s Convocation will be a momentous occasion celebrating the achievements of the graduating class of 2025 for the Full-Time MBA, MBAi, Evening & Weekend MBA, MiM, MMM, JDMBA, MDMBA, and Doctoral Programs. Look for more information to come.

Keynote speaker

John Schlifske ’83

John Schlifske was born and raised in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area. He graduated from Carleton College in 1981 and from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 1983. He worked in the life insurance industry, first as an investment professional and then by running different business lines. This culminated in July 2010 when John became CEO and chairman of Northwestern Mutual, a Fortune 100 life insurance company. During his leadership, Northwestern Mutual grew to record levels of profitability, revenue and asset levels while maintaining its financial strength as one of only five U.S. companies to receive the highest possible credit rating from the four major credit rating agencies.

John currently serves on the board at Kohl’s Corporation. His past board service includes Northwestern Mutual, the American College of Life Insurers, Robert W. Baird & Co., Russell Investments, Froedtert & MCW, Children’s Wisconsin, JL French Automotive Castings, Inc., American Bumper Manufacturing Company, Greater Milwaukee Committee and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.

Kellogg Convocation 2025 will be held on Sunday, June 15, 2025

• Ticket sales are now closed. Grads need to access their account in the ticketing system and distribute their tickets to their guests. Make sure to not distribute the same ticket to more than one guest - keep track of your tickets.
• Grads do not need a ticket.
• All seats are general admission.
• Tickets are required for all guests who wish to attend Kellogg's Convocation ceremony in Welsh-Ryan Arena. Doors open at 1:30 pm, and the ceremony begins promptly at 3 pm.
  
• Accessibility requests can be placed within the ticketing system with your order.
• Children 3 and under who will be sitting on a guest's lap do not need a ticket. Any child needing their own seat requires a ticket.