University of Oregon architecture alumnus Miguel McKelvey (BArch, ’99), co-founder and chief culture officer of the pioneering shared-space company WeWork, will be the speaker at this year’s commencement ceremony on June 18.

Head of the School of Architecture & Environment Liska Chan says that McKelvey “is a fantastic model of the innovative spirit that a design education helps to shape. Simultaneously cutting-edge and collaborative, his professional work is exemplary.”

Architecture Professor Brook Muller said of McKelvey on a previous visit, “Miguel uses design thinking as an incredibly powerful business development tool. … He’s a spectacularly successful example of what we wish for our graduates.”

McKelvey has been characterized as an inspiration to all students, radiating optimism and helping to imagine what’s possible and to realize their ambitions.”

Learn more about McKelvey, WeWork, and how he applies his architecture training in new ways.