By Angelina Perez, Arts & Entertainment Editor/ Engagement Editor
Manhattan College students were informed via the official Manhattan College Instagram account that Gerrard P. Bushell, Ph.D., chairman of CAG Holdings, will receive an honorary doctor of science degree at the undergraduate commencement on May 18.
“From August 2019 to April 2024, Dr. Bushell also served as the lead executive for the $9.5 billion New Terminal One, the nation’s largest public-private infrastructure project,” the caption on the post said. “Dr. Bushell served as the Executive Chair and Chairman & CEO of the New Terminal One when The Carlyle Group led the consortium, and President & CEO upon Ferrovial becoming the lead shareholder in 2022. With an impressive background spanning [across] finance, public service, and academia, Dr. Bushell has dedicated his career to driving transformative change and creating lasting impact in communities across New York.”
Seniors Liam Donahue and Julianna Iovine, the president and chief strategic officer for MC’s economic and finance society, spoke to The Quadrangle about what Bushell’s honorary degree means to seniors who are interested in his experience and ready to walk the stage in the next few weeks.
“I think the appointment of Gerrard P. Bushell as a commencement speaker was a strong choice given his experience in the fields of engineering, finance, government and academia,” Donahue said. “Mr. Bushell is accomplished in all three areas, and I think he will deliver a commencement speech that will resonate with many graduates.”
Bushell graduated from Columbia University, receiving a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in political sciences.
“Dr. Bushell came to DASNY (Dormitory Authority of the State of New York) as an accomplished investment advisor where he counseled leading institutional investors and raised private and public investment capital,” Columbia University’s political science faculty page wrote about Bushell. “He was a senior sales and client officer selling investment solutions for Alcentra and Insight at BY Mellon, director in the client partner group at KK, managing director at Arden Asset Management, and the head of institutional sales at the Legg Mason Company, ClearBridge Advisors, formerly Citi Asset management,”
Iovine told The Quadrangle about the impact of Bushell’s credibility as a Columbia alumnus on MC students.
“His esteemed success and commitment to the community align with the academic excellence and service values MC offers,” Iovine said. “It is nice to see such an impactful person being honored and speaking at our graduation, and I’m looking forward to it.”
As the seniors of MC look forward to the future, Donahue reassures them that going to honors convocation and listening to what Bushell has to say can help the paths of soon-to-be graduates.
“Given the college’s reputation in engineering and business, I believe Bushell’s experience is relevant to many graduates,” Donahue said. “As many of us prepare for careers, I think we can aspire to forge a path similar to Mr. Bushell as he successfully obtained a Ph.D. from an Ivy League institution and has been CEO of multiple enterprises.”
The spring honors convocation will be held on Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m. in Draddy Gymnasium, where, alongside Bushell, senior students of MC will be honored for their academic achievements with medals and other awards.