Orlando Bravo, renowned investor, philanthropist, and the first Puerto Rican-born billionaire, addressed the 2025 graduating class of American University’s Kogod School of Business on Saturday, May 10. During his address, Bravo spoke about the power of positivity, the value of ethical leadership, and the importance of perseverance, drawing on both his professional and personal experiences. 

"When you're positive about your outlook, you're positive about your ideas, and you're always striving to make a positive contribution to society, you will be more successful. You will be a more successful leader, and that will put you in the position to help others in very personal and meaningful ways.”

Bravo is the co-founder of private equity investment firm Thoma Bravo, which he has transformed into one of the world’s leading private equity investors in software, overseeing more than 500 acquisitions totaling more than $275 billion in enterprise value.

American University presented Bravo with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of his achievements in business and philanthropy. Bravo founded the Bravo Family Foundation to expand opportunities for young adults in Puerto Rico, supporting initiatives like the Rising Entrepreneurs Program and disaster relief efforts. 

Bravo left Kogod’s Class of 2025 with words of encouragement, telling them, “Remember, the world is wide open. The world needs you and the world welcomes you with open arms. Now go out there and lead it.”

ABOUT KOGOD SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

American University's Kogod School of Business is building a more sustainable world through business. For 70 years, Kogod has redefined what business education looks like — preparing future business leaders to thrive in careers on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley, at nonprofits and in government agencies, in startups and at Fortune 500 companies. With a strong focus on AI, Kogod ensures graduates harness technology’s potential to solve real-world business challenges, earning Kogod recognition from Poets & Quants as Best in Class for Artificial Intelligence. Kogod’s approach to learning fosters the entrepreneurial mindset and provides students with the skills, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed in any industry. Learn more about the Kogod School of Business and how it is preparing the business leaders of tomorrow here. 

ABOUT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

American University leverages the power and purpose of scholarship, learning, and community to impact our changing world. AU’s faculty, students, staff, and alumni are changemakers who shape the future from sustainability to social justice to the sciences. Building on our 129-year history of education and research in the public interest, we say ‘Challenge Accepted’ to addressing the world’s pressing issues. Our Change Can’t Wait comprehensive campaign creates transformative educational opportunities, advances research with impact, and builds stronger communities.