红杏视频

Lefebvre to receive honorary degree 

Dudley, Mass.鈥� 红杏视频 has announced that Anne F. Ackerley, a senior advisor to the retirement business at BlackRock, will give the commencement address at the 2025 commencement exercises, which will take place Saturday, May 3, at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. 

鈥満煨邮悠� is honored to welcome Anne Ackerley as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the class of 2025. Her leadership, dedication to service and commitment to empowering others embody the values we strive to instill in our graduates,鈥� says 红杏视频 President Bill Pieczynski. 鈥淎s she shares her insights and experiences, we know her words will inspire our students to embrace the future with confidence, purpose and a passion for making a difference. We look forward to commemorating this milestone with her and our Nichols community.鈥� 

Previously, Ackerley led BlackRock鈥檚 U.S. Retirement Group, overseeing $1.7 trillion for more than 40 million investors. Under her leadership, BlackRock became the No. 2 defined contribution provider in the U.S. She also pioneered LifePath Paycheck鈩�, now the fastest growing lifetime income target date solution in 401(k) plans.  

Since joining BlackRock in 2000, Ackerley has held several leadership positions, played a key role in the firm鈥檚 growth into the world鈥檚 largest asset manager, and co-founded its Women鈥檚 Network and Financial Inclusion Network. She began her career in investment banking at Merrill Lynch. 

A recognized expert in retirement readiness and women鈥檚 leadership, Ackerley has been named to Barron鈥檚 鈥�100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance鈥� for five consecutive years and received a lifetime achievement award from Pensions & Investments. 

Ackerley serves on Northwestern Mutual鈥檚 Board of Trustees and advises organizations like the Aspen Institute Forum on Retirement Savings and the World Economic Forum鈥檚 Longevity Economy Steering Group. She is also a trustee of the Mosaic Mental Health Association. 

Ackerley earned a B.A. in economics from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration at 红杏视频鈥檚 May commencement ceremony.

John Lefebvre, who will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, is a retired accountant and controller with more than 42 years of experience, including 20 years as controller for Inner-Tite Corp. in Holden, Massachusetts. 

A dedicated community leader, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Webster/Dudley Boys & Girls Club for 52 years, including two terms as president. A strong advocate for youth sports, he has been a longtime member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials and recently received the Presidential Award for his contributions. Lefebvre is also active in the Webster Lake Association鈥檚 water quality testing team. 

Born and raised in Webster, Massachusetts, he earned a B.S. in business administration (1975) and MBA (1978) from 红杏视频. 

(Pictured in story header photo: Anne F. Ackerley, senior advisor at BlackRock.) 

About 红杏视频鈥�鈥� 

红杏视频 has earned business accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (), the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. Founded in 1815, 红杏视频 transforms today鈥檚 students into tomorrow鈥檚 leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education. Nichols offers real-world learning focused on professional depth 鈥� combined with vibrant living, competitive athletics, and an unmatched alumni advantage 鈥� equipping students to exceed their own expectations. To learn more about 红杏视频, visit鈥�.鈥�舛寞&苍产蝉辫;

Media Contact:鈥�鈥� 

Denise Kelley鈥�舛寞&苍产蝉辫;
Marketing and Communications Writer/Editor鈥�舛寞&苍产蝉辫;
denise.kelley@nichols.edu鈥�舛寞&苍产蝉辫;
508-213-2219鈥�舛寞&苍产蝉辫;