In a significant return to her roots, Stacey Cunningham, a pioneering figure in the capital markets and esteemed alumnus of Lehigh University, is set to deliver the commencement address at Lehigh’s 158th undergraduate spring ceremony on May 17, 2026. Her journey from engineering student to becoming the first female president of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) marks a compelling narrative of determination and innovation.
Cunningham’s historic appointment as the first woman to lead the world’s largest stock exchange was a groundbreaking moment in its 234-year history. Her leadership not only encompassed the NYSE but also extended to the broader NYSE Group, which includes four additional equities exchanges, two options exchanges, and nearly $4 trillion in listed ETF assets.
“Returning to my alma mater to speak with this year’s graduates is incredibly meaningful to me,” Cunningham stated. “Lehigh didn’t just give me a degree; it gave me a way of thinking. The Class of 2026 graduates with the tools to solve problems that have not yet been defined, in industries that do not yet exist. I cannot wait to see what they build.”
President Joseph J. Helble ’82 expressed enthusiasm about Cunningham’s upcoming speech, noting, “I am pleased to welcome Stacey back to campus to address our graduates. Stacey’s insights on innovation, technology and building trust, as a strategic leader on the forefront of navigating change, will be a great asset to the graduating class as they take their first steps toward their post-Lehigh futures.”
From Engineering to Finance Trailblazer
Stacey Cunningham’s path to the NYSE began unexpectedly during her engineering studies at Lehigh, where she discovered a passion for financial markets through an internship on the trading floor. This experience set her on a trajectory that saw her rise from a market maker to a senior executive role at Nasdaq, and eventually, back to the NYSE.
In her tenure at the exchange, Cunningham ascended through various leadership roles, including chief operating officer, where she played a pivotal role in integrating multiple exchange acquisitions and spearheaded the development of NYSE Pillar, a cutting-edge exchange technology platform. Her presidency of the NYSE began in 2018, during which she navigated the exchange through the Covid-19 pandemic and achieved two record-breaking years in U.S. IPO history.
Cunningham’s career has been marked by her advocacy for the role of capitalism and free markets in driving economic growth and societal progress. Her influence has been recognized by her inclusion in lists such as Forbes Most Powerful Women (2018, 2019), Barron’s Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance (2020, 2021), and Crain’s New York Business’ Most Powerful Women in New York (2019, 2021).
Her leadership extends beyond the NYSE as she serves on the boards of Cloudflare, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Georgetown University Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy. Additionally, she advises the private equity firm Advent and Uniswap Labs.
Reconnecting with Lehigh
Cunningham’s enduring connection with Lehigh University is evident through her participation in events such as Soaring Together’s 50-year celebration of women on campus and delivering the Spencer C. Schantz Public Lecture in 2019. Her lecture, “Engineering the 21st Century Stock Exchange,” explored the evolution of the stock exchange in response to significant historical events, such as the aftermath of 9/11 and the global financial crisis.
The 2026 commencement schedule includes:
Graduate Commencement and Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
Recognizing master’s and doctoral candidates
Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:30 a.m. at Goodman Stadium
Baccalaureate
Saturday, May 16, 2026
4:00 p.m. at Packer Memorial Church
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, May 17, 2026
9:30 a.m. at Goodman Stadium
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