Molloy University is excited to announce that its 2024 Spring Commencement speaker will be Matt Higgins, CEO and co-founder of RSE Ventures, former Guest Shark on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank, and Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School.
“We are proud to welcome Matt Higgins as a member of the Molloy Community,” said Molloy University President, James P. Lentini, D.M.A. “The message he will share with our students promises to be memorable, meaningful, and motivational. Matt is an incredibly successful individual who is passionate about his profession and making a difference in the world.”
The commencement exercises will take place on Monday, May 20th, 2024, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, NY. Higgins will receive an Honorary Doctor of Business Honoris Causa degree during the event.
“Matt has a unique story about finding his path and creating proper balance in his life,” said Molloy University’s Vice President for Advancement, Edward J. Thompson, J.D. “He has found tremendous success in life while maintaining values in alignment with Molloy’s mission. We look forward to a continued relationship with him. Our spring graduates are certain to be moved by his speech.”
About Matt Higgins:
Known for his business savvy and acumen, Higgins is a preeminent investor in the consumer, sports, and entertainment space. Working alongside Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, and under the umbrella of RSE Ventures, he built an expansive multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio including over 100 leading brands.
Higgins was one of the first employees – and ultimately Chief Operating Officer – of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, which was created to plan the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site. He helped organize the design competition that culminated in Reflecting Absence, the September 11thNational Memorial, and the development of One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the northern hemisphere.
Working with two National Football League (NFL) franchises, Higgins spent 15 years in senior leadership positions with NFL teams, responsible for the revenue functions of the New York Jets as Executive Vice President of Business Operations, and then serving as Vice Chairman of the Miami Dolphins from 2012–2021.
Higgins is also co-owner of VaynerMedia, the largest social-media-first agency in the world founded by Gary Vaynerchuk.
He serves as an Executive Fellow at the Harvard Business School, co-teaching the course “Moving Beyond Direct-to-Consumer”, the leading course on direct-to-consumer brands in the United States.
He appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank as a Guest Shark during seasons 10-11. And, in 2023, his debut book, Burn the Boats, landed on The Wall Street Journal bestseller list.
In 2019, Higgins received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for work to improve society. He is also a longstanding board member of Autism Speaks.
About Molloy University:
Molloy University, an independent Catholic university based in Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York, was founded in 1955. The University serves a student population of approximately 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Molloy students can earn degrees in a variety of outstanding academic programs, including nursing, allied health, business, education, social work, music therapy and many more. The University was founded by the Dominican Sisters of Amityville.
For additional information about Molloy University’s 2024 Spring Commencement Exercises contact: Executive Director of University Marketing and Communications, Jacquie Martin-Rath at jrath@molloy.edu or 516.639.6846.