Legendary Investor, Entrpreneur, and Civic Leader John W. Rogers, Jr. to Receive Honorary Doctor from Illinois Tech

CHICAGO-May 16, 2026-Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) will award John W. Rogers, Jr., a pioneering investor and entrepreneur, an Honorary Doctor of Economics, honoris causa, at its 157th Commencement ceremony today at Credit 1 Union Arena. As Chairman and Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, Rogers is one of the nation's most respected investors and civic leaders who has leveraged a patient investment philosophy to build a globally respected firm while advancing economic opportunity and civic leadership across Chicago and beyond.

"It's an honor to receive this recognition from Illinois Tech," says Rogers. "Throughout my career, I have believed in the power of education and long-term thinking to create opportunity. I hope this acknowledgment inspires students and the broader Illinois Tech community to pursue their ambitions with purpose and to use their success to drive meaningful, positive change in their communities."

Developing a passion for investing that began at age 12 when his father started giving him stocks for his birthday and Christmas, Rogers founded Ariel Investments in 1983 when he was just 24 years old, building the firm on a disciplined philosophy of patient, value investing in small- and medium-sized companies. While Ariel's research capabilities have expanded across the globe, patience is still the disciplined approach that drives the firm today.

"John Rogers is a visionary leader whose career exemplifies the power of discipline, integrity, and long-term thinking," says Raj Echambadi, president of Illinois Tech. "Through Ariel Investments and his extensive civic engagement, he has expanded access to opportunity while setting a standard for leadership that aligns closely with Illinois Tech's mission."

Rogers' early success earned him national recognition, including being named co-mutual fund manager of the year by Sylvia Porter's Personal Finance magazine and an all-star mutual fund manager by USA Today. He has also been recognized alongside legendary investors such as Warren Buffett, John Templeton, and Benjamin Graham in The World's 99 Greatest Investors by Magnus Angenfelt.

"John Rogers has built an extraordinary career grounded in values that we emphasize at Illinois Tech," says Jennifer deWinter, dean of Lewis College of Science and Letters. "His leadership offers a powerful example of how economic insight, disciplined thinking, and a commitment to long-term impact can contribute not only to business growth but to advancing social progress."

In addition to his investment career, Rogers has made significant contributions in corporate governance and public service, serving on the boards of directors of Nike and The New York Times Company and as lead director of Ryan Specialty. He is also a member of the board of trustees of the University of Chicago and the Obama Foundation and served as co-chair of President Obama's Inaugural Committee in 2009.

"John Rogers represents the very best of what it means to lead with purpose and impact," says Illinois Tech Board Chair Michael P. Galvin (LAW '78). "His accomplishments in business and public service reflect a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities, values that resonate strongly with Illinois Tech and its mission."

In 2008, Rogers received the Woodrow Wilson Award, the highest honor given by Princeton University-where Rogers received an A.B. in economics and was captain of the varsity basketball team-which is awarded each year to a graduate whose career embodies a commitment to national service. In 2023, Rogers received the Order of Lincoln, Illinois' highest honor for professional achievement and public service.

Photo: John Rogers, Jr.

Illinois Institute of Technology

Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and innovation for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the city's living lab, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.

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Illinois Institute of Technology
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Illinois Institute of Technology
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