Schmidt led Google’s rise from startup to global powerhouse. He and his wife Wendy Schmidt founded Schmidt Sciences, which is developing the world’s first fully privately funded space telescope. The U of A will develop instruments for the 3-meter space telescope that will advance a range of astrophysical investigations.
Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Chairman of Google, co-founder of Schmidt Sciences, and leading architect in the era of Artificial Intelligence, will deliver the University of Arizona’s Commencement address on May 15. Few leaders have played a more defining role in shaping the future and advancing scientific frontiers through private investment, philanthropic giving, and private-public partnership.
“Dr. Schmidt helped define the architecture of the internet and, under his leadership, guided Google to become one of the world’s most influential technology companies,” said University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. “Today, through his investments in scientific discovery and emerging technologies, he continues to power research that shapes the future, including his partnership with our scholars to expand the frontiers of exploration.
“For the Class of 2026 and their families, his career reflects what is possible when innovation is paired with purpose. It speaks directly to our commitment to success for every student and to preparing graduates not only to navigate a rapidly changing world, but to lead, discover and create opportunity within it. We are honored to welcome him to Arizona and look forward to the message he will share with our graduates.”
Earlier this year, Schmidt Sciences announced the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Observatory System, one space and three ground-based observatories that aim to accelerate scientific discovery through innovative technology and open access to time and data. Schmidt Sciences is partnering with the U of A as a key collaborator on Lazuli – the world’s first fully privately funded space telescope. By combining the U of A’s leadership in precision exoplanet imaging with Schmidt Sciences’ emphasis on rapid innovation, this collaboration will help accelerate a new era of space exploration.
“The University of Arizona embodies the curiosity, rigor, and bold imagination that will shape the next era of discovery – not just in science and technology, but in tackling the world’s greatest challenges,” said Schmidt. “The work being done here today will define what’s possible tomorrow. I am honored to address the Class of 2026 as they step into a pivotal moment in history, full of extraordinary opportunity and responsibility.”
Alongside founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, Schmidt scaled Google globally to expand beyond search, going on to serve as chairman from 2011 to 2015 and later as executive chairman of Alphabet from 2015 to 2018. In 2021, he launched and now chairs the Special Competitive Studies Project, working to strengthen America’s long-term competitiveness in an AI-driven world, and regularly testifies in front of Congress to advise on matters of technology, energy, and national security. In 2024, Schmidt was awarded an honorary KBE by King Charles III for services to philanthropy.
He is currently chair and CEO of Relativity Space, author of four New York Times best-selling books, and co-founder with his wife Wendy of several philanthropic organizations working to make the world healthy, resilient and secure for all. The couple founded the Schmidt Family Foundation, Schmidt Ocean Institute, and most recently, Schmidt Sciences.
Before joining Google, Schmidt was chairman and CEO of the software company Novell. He arrived at Novell after 14 years with Sun Microsystems, Inc., a pioneering Silicon Valley company that helped create the Java programming language, along with other information technology innovations. At Sun, Schmidt began as a manager before rising to chief technology officer.
Schmidt holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Princeton University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in computer science from the University of California, Berkeley. Schmidt’s honors include being elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2006 and induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences as a fellow in 2007. He has served on the boards of trustees at Carnegie Mellon University and Princeton University. He also has served as a trustee of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, where he was later named an emeritus board member.
Schmidt was also a member of the U.S. President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology from 2009 to 2017. He was chairman of the Department of Defense’s Innovation Board from 2016 to 2020 and was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service in 2017.
Schmidt is a board member of the Broad Institute, a research organization that aims to find the root causes of all diseases, and also serves on the board of the Mayo Clinic; he is also director of Science for America, which is focused on addressing grand challenges related to climate, health, leadership and more.
Schmidt has written four bestselling books. He published his most recent in 2024, titled “Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit,” with the late Dr. Henry Kissinger and Craig Mundie. The book aims to be an accessible guide to how AI will shape civilization in the modern era.
Schmidt will receive an honorary Doctor of Science from the U of A College of Science. He is one of five honorary degree recipients.
Honorary degree recipients
