Convocation
David Marriott Delivers Keynote Speech to NYU SPS 2025 Grads
Marriott International Chairman of the Board Shares Key Principles Integral to Success with NYU SPS Class of ‘25
<p><span class="p-body"><i>The article was published on May 2, 2025</i></span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">On Friday, May 16, David S. Marriott, Chairman of the Board at Marriott International, will deliver the keynote address to the NYU SPS Graduate Class of ‘25.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">"Today’s graduates play a crucial role in high-growth businesses like Marriott’s by bringing fresh perspectives, technological skills, and new ideas that lead to constant innovation," says David Marriott. "Our company has always been in the hospitality business, but has changed and grown significantly over the years—starting off in the restaurant business nearly 100 years ago, opening our first hotel in 1957, and growing to over 9,300 properties today."</span></p>
Recent graduates bring renewed energy and are key to building an engaged and motivated workforce as we grow into the future."
<p><span class="p-body">He encourages graduates to look for a workplace that embraces core values and key principles that resonate with them—similar to the way his grandparents founded the company on the philosophy to "take good care of the associates so they take good care of the customer."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Marriott plans to share key principles he believes are critical for a happy and successful life with the Radio City Music Hall crowd: respecting and overcoming obstacles, embracing opportunities, and making the world a better place through service.</span></p>
