Lisa Su ’90, SM ’91, PhD ’94, chair and CEO of the semiconductor company AMD, will deliver the address at the OneMIT Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 28. As head of AMD, Su has led a transformation of the company into a global leader in high-performance and AI computing, designing CPUs and specialized GPUs that power advanced supercomputers and high-performance computing systems. AMD technology currently serves as the foundation for many of the world’s most advanced computing applications, with ongoing development focused on next-generation hardware and open software to accelerate AI adoption. Su maintains a close relationship with MIT, having established the Lisa Su Fellowship Fund and served on the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Visiting Committee for a decade.
Lisa Su’s Background and Education
Lisa Su earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering from MIT, completing her education by 1994. During her PhD studies, she developed instructions that aided generations of student researchers in utilizing the Institute’s advanced equipment. Her continued connection with MIT includes serving on the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Visiting Committee for ten years and establishing the Lisa Su Fellowship Fund in 2018.
Following her time at MIT, Su held positions at Texas Instruments, IBM, and Freescale Semiconductor before joining AMD in 2012. Her leadership at AMD has been transformative, positioning the company as a global leader in high-performance and AI computing. This success has led to numerous accolades, including being named TIME’s 2024 CEO of the Year and recognition as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.
MIT has formally recognized Su’s contributions by naming Building 12, home to MIT.nano, in her honor. She received the Dr. Morris Chang Exemplary Leadership Award and the Robert N. Noyce Medal, both named for MIT alumni. Her impact extends beyond professional achievements; she is a member of both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering.
Su’s Leadership at AMD
Lisa Su is currently chair and CEO of AMD, having joined the company in 2012. Prior to AMD, she held positions at Texas Instruments, IBM, and Freescale Semiconductor. Under her leadership, AMD has become a global leader in high-performance and AI computing, designing CPUs and GPUs that power supercomputers and advanced computing systems. She is focused on next-generation hardware and software to further AI adoption, describing AI as a transformational technology.
Su maintains a close relationship with MIT, having earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering from the Institute. She previously spoke at the 2017 doctoral hooding ceremony and established the Lisa Su Fellowship Fund. MIT honored her contributions by naming Building 12, which houses MIT.nano, in her honor. She also served a decade on the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Visiting Committee.
Recognized for her leadership, Su was named TIME’s 2024 CEO of the Year and is among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and Fortune’s Most Powerful People in Business. She has received numerous awards, including the Global Semiconductor Association’s Dr. Morris Chang Exemplary Leadership Award and the Robert N. Noyce Medal. As of the source, only about 10 percent of Fortune 500 companies are led by female CEOs.
Su’s Affiliation with MIT
Lisa Su earned three degrees in electrical engineering from MIT: a bachelor’s in 1990, a master’s in 1991, and a doctorate in 1994. Following her studies, she spent time at Texas Instruments, IBM, and Freescale Semiconductor before joining AMD in 2012. During her PhD studies, Su developed instructions that aided generations of student researchers in using advanced Institute equipment, demonstrating early technical contributions and a commitment to mentorship.
Su’s connection to MIT extends beyond her time as a student. She served on the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Visiting Committee for ten years and was the speaker at the 2017 doctoral hooding ceremony. In 2018, she established the Lisa Su Fellowship Fund. Recognizing her contributions, MIT named Building 12, housing MIT.nano, in her honor, solidifying her lasting impact on the institution.
MIT President Sally Kornbluth highlights Su’s embodiment of the “mind and hand” motto through scientific discoveries and business leadership at AMD. The university acknowledges her role in delivering innovative products crucial to the digital economy. Su’s continued engagement with current students, sharing experiences, and mentorship further emphasizes her commitment to the MIT community and its values.
2026 Commencement Speaker Announcement
Lisa Su ’90, SM ’91, PhD ’94 will deliver the 2026 Commencement address at MIT. As chair and CEO of AMD, Su has transformed the company into a global leader in high-performance and AI computing. Her work includes designing CPUs and GPUs powering supercomputers and high-performance computing systems. Su maintains a close relationship with MIT, previously speaking at the 2017 doctoral hooding ceremony and establishing the Lisa Su Fellowship Fund, and was honored with the naming of Building 12 (MIT.nano) in her honor.
Su’s connection to MIT extends beyond recent events; she earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering from the Institute. According to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, Su inspired classmates as a student and created instructions guiding researchers using advanced equipment. Her leadership at AMD, combined with her history of mentorship and innovation, makes her a fitting speaker for the graduating class, embodying the “mind and hand” motto of MIT.
The 2026 Commencement address will continue a tradition of prominent speakers. Recent speakers include Hank Green (2025), Noubar Afeyan (2024), and Mark Rober (2023). Su’s recognition as TIME’s 2024 CEO of the Year and membership in both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering highlight her achievements and influence in the field of computing and beyond.
Lisa is renowned for her intellectual rigor, boldness, and originality, and we’re absolutely thrilled that she has agreed to deliver the Commencement address to our graduates this year.
Sally Kornbluth
