QS Editorial
Published on 21 April 2026
| Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Chairman of Google, co-founder of Schmidt Sciences, and leading architect in the era of Artificial Intelligence, will deliver the University of Arizona's Commencement address on May 15. Few leaders have played a more defining role in shaping the future and advancing scientific frontiers through private investment, philanthropic giving, and private-public partnership. "Dr. Schmidt helped define the architecture of the internet and, under his leadership, guided Google to become one of the world's most influential technology companies," said University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. "Today, through his investments in scientific discovery and emerging technologies, he continues to power research that shapes the future, including his partnership with our scholars to expand the frontiers of exploration. "For the Class of 2026 and their families, his career reflects what is possible when innovation is paired with purpose. It speaks directly to our commitment to success for every student and to preparing graduates not only to navigate a rapidly changing world, but to lead, discover and create opportunity within it. We are honored to welcome him to Arizona and look forward to the message he will share with our graduates." Earlier this year, Schmidt Sciences announced the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Observatory System, one space and three ground-based observatories that aim to accelerate scientific discovery through innovative technology and open access to time and data. Schmidt Sciences is partnering with the U of A as a key collaborator on Lazuli – the world's first fully privately funded space telescope. By combining the U of A's leadership in precision exoplanet imaging with Schmidt Sciences' emphasis on rapid innovation, this collaboration will help accelerate a new era of space exploration. "The University of Arizona embodies the curiosity, rigor, and bold imagination that will shape the next era of discovery – not just in science and technology, but in tackling the world's greatest challenges," said Schmidt. "The work being done here today will define what's possible tomorrow. I am honored to address the Class of 2026 as they step into a pivotal moment in history, full of extraordinary opportunity and responsibility. Alongside founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, Schmidt scaled Google globally to expand beyond search, going on to serve as chairman from 2011 to 2015 and later as executive chairman of Alphabet from 2015 to 2018. In 2021, he launched and now chairs the Special Competitive Studies Project, working to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in an AI-driven world, and regularly testifies in front of Congress to advise on matters of technology, energy, and national security. In 2024, Schmidt was awarded an honorary KBE by King Charles III for services to philanthropy. He is currently chair and CEO of Relativity Space, author of four New York Times best-selling books, and co-founder with his wife Wendy of several philanthropic organizations working to make the world healthy, resilient and secure for all. The couple founded the Schmidt Family Foundation, Schmidt Ocean Institute, and most recently, Schmidt Sciences. Schmidt will receive an honorary Doctor of Science from the U of A College of Science. He is one of five honorary degree recipients. Honorary degree recipients Alice Chaiten Baker will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Baker has helped advance the arts and social sciences at the University of Arizona and in Tucson through years of philanthropy, community leadership and advocacy for education. Baker's contributions have helped support the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies with the aim to help it become the state's preeminent center for the study of Jewish life and history. Alice, alongside her husband Paul, has also supported endowments and visiting professorships that have expanded the college's teaching and research capacity. Baker was raised in Tucson and graduated from the university, becoming the first of three generations of Wildcats. Gabrielle Giffords will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters from the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. A native Tucsonan, Giffords began her political career in 2001 when she won a seat in Arizona State House of Representatives and later served in the Arizona Senate. In 2006, she was elected to represent Arizona's 8th Congressional District in Washington, D.C. On Jan. 8, 2011, a gunman opened fire at a "Congress on Your Corner" event Giffords was holding in Tucson; the attack killed six people and critically wounded Giffords. She stepped down shortly thereafter to focus on her recovery, but she later returned to public life as an advocate for gun violence prevention. Giffords co-founded Americans for Responsible Solutions, an advocacy and research organization later renamed GIFFORDS. F. Ronald Rayner will receive an honorary Doctor of Science from the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences. A fourth-generation Arizona farmer and a first-generation college graduate, Rayner graduated with high distinction from the college in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education. Rayner, a former president and chairman of the National Cotton Council of America, is an innovator in arid-land agriculture, helping develop no-till and minimum-tillage systems designed to conserve water. Rayner has long advocated for student success at the U of A. His business, A Tumbling T Ranches, has become a de facto extension and research satellite for the college, sharing water-use data and expertise with students and researchers. Rayner also has provided funding support to Cooperative Extension, the Arizona Experiment Station, and renovations to the college's main building. Scott Stuber will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the College of Fine Arts. A proud alumnus of the college, Stuber has spent decades redefining how films are created, distributed and experienced. He is currently in a multi-year partnership with Amazon MGM Studios to relaunch the historic United Artists and to finance and release movies from his new production company. From 2017 to 2024, Stuber served as chairman of Netflix Films, guiding the company's transformation into a global production and distribution leader. Under his guidance, Netflix released critically acclaimed titles like Alfonso Cuarón's Academy Award–winning "Roma," Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman," and Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog." Stuber received the College of Fine Arts Professional Achievement Award in 2010 for his rising influence. Alumni Achievement Award recipient Cisco Aguilar will receive the university's Alumni Achievement Award. Aguilar serves as Nevada's Secretary of State, focusing on modernizing, innovating and building transparency in the office. Aguilar graduated from the University of Arizona in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in business administration; 2004 with a master's in business administration; and 2004 with a Juris Doctor. Under Aguilar's leadership and vision as Secretary of State, the office took on two major technology projects to modernize the state's elections and business filings. Thanks to dedicated efforts to expand access to the ballot box, tribal voting turnout increased by 34% during the 2024 election. Prior to being elected, Aguilar served 12 years as general counsel for Agassi Graf, the management company for Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, and the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education. In 2020, Aguilar launched Blueprint Sports, a sports technology startup, facilitating over $140 million in name, image, and likeness earnings for over 25,000 NCAA student-athletes since 2021. |
