Media Release: Suffield Academy Commencement Speaker 2012, Sony's Sir Howard Stringer

Our client, Suffield Academy, announces their 2012 Commencement Speaker

SONY CHAIR SIR HOWARD STRINGER IS SUFFIELD ACADEMY'S 179TH COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER ON FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

Suffield, Connecticut: Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman of Sony Corporation, offers the keynote Commencement Address at the 179th Suffield Academy Commencement. 121 graduates receive their diplomas on Friday, May 25, 2012 on the school’s campus in Suffield, CT.

Sir Howard Stringer, born in Cardiff, Wales and educated in Great Britain, emigrated to the United States, and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. Before joining Sony in 1997, Stringer had a 30-year career at CBS, where he produced “CBS Reports”, “CBS Evening News with Dan Rather”, and served as President of both CBS News (1986-1988) and CBS Inc (1988-1995). He won nine Emmys while at CBS. Sir Howard Stringer joined Sony in 1997, as President of its US operational unit. In 2005, he became Chairman and CEO of Sony, overseeing its entire operation. Sir Howard Stringer stepped down as President last month; he continues as Chairman of Sony Corporation until his ascension to the Board Chairmanship next month. 

Sir Howard Stringer plans to speak about courage and resilience. He says, “If you have the courage to change, you will always find new opportunities in life and shape your own destiny -- and not have it shaped for you by forces outside your control.” He also notes: "Navigating the minefield of your futures will require every bit of patience, humor and smarts you possess. But do not worry, take it for the thrilling ride of a lifetime that it really is. Keep your wits and good spirits with you. Commit yourself heart and soul to your efforts. Catch hold of the ideals in your heart today and try not to lose them, because at the end of whatever path your life takes, that's what's going to count. It's not what you accumulate in the way of money or Twitter followers or Facebook friends that matters. It's what you mean to the people and the world around you along the way.”

Sir Howard Stringer’s son David is a member of Suffield Academy’s graduating class.

Suffield Headmaster Charles Cahn III presides over Commencement ceremonies. Graduating senior Will Sartorius of West Hartford, CT was selected by his classmates to deliver the student address. Daniel Tisch, President of the Suffield Academy Board of Trustees, and headmaster Cahn presented diplomas and prizes to graduating seniors, who will head to 82 different colleges and universities next fall.

Headmaster Cahn comments about these graduates: “These young men and women have come from all parts of the world to study and to prepare for the future. Now, as we reach the final stage of the journey, I can tell you that this is a class distinguished by numerous accomplishments, by their leadership, and by their obvious pride in Suffield Academy.” 

Cahn also noted that the Class of 2012 has been at Suffield during a remarkable period on the school’s history, with more than $30 million of new facilities constructed through gifts to the school and more than 1,000 students interviewing each year for the 120 available openings. 

Suffield Academy, founded in 1833, is an independent, co-educational college preparatory school for boarding and day students on its campus in Suffield, CT.  Suffield Academy has a tradition of academic excellence combined with a strong work ethic and leadership building programs. For information on Suffield Academy’s programs and services: www.suffieldacademy.org.

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