Inductotherm Group Chairman Virginia Rowan Smith to deliver Commencement keynote

Virginia “Ginny” Rowan Smith, chairman of Inductotherm Group Worldwide and a longtime Rowan University trustee, will deliver the keynote address during the University Commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, in Wackar Stadium.

Smith leads the multinational group of 40 companies long recognized as the global leader in thermal processing systems for the metals and materials industry.

President Ali Houshmand called Rowan Smith “a staunch advocate” for the university and said she and her family are “champions” for the arts, education, conservation, youth enrichment programs, military students and the trades. 

“Ginny is not only a staunch advocate for this institution—she is an institution herself,” Houshmand said. “As president of the Henry M. Rowan Family Foundation, she has helped advance both her family’s philanthropic legacy and the University’s future.” 

Smith will receive an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Rowan University in recognition of her leadership in global business, higher education governance and philanthropy. 

Also during the ceremony, Antoinette “Toni” Libro will receive the university’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. A Rowan University professor emerita of writing arts, Libro will be recognized for her accomplishments and her commitment to student writers at the institution where she began her academic career. 

Libro co-founded one of the earliest women’s studies programs in the country, served as founding dean of the College of Communication and developed the university’s Master of Arts in writing. An award-winning writer, poet and playwright, Libro has endowed a writing arts scholarship, a Medallion award and a poetry award for Rowan students.   

For details, visit Rowan’s Commencement website.