Ray Dalio ’71—founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, and New York Times bestselling author—returned to Long Island University as the keynote speaker for the University’s Centennial Commencement ceremony at Shark Stadium, where LIU celebrated 100 years since its founding before thousands of graduates, families, faculty, and alumni. During the ceremony, Dalio received an Honorary Doctor of Business and delivered a powerful address to the Class of 2026 focused on personal growth, wellbeing, and long-term success.
As part of his commencement gift to graduates, Dalio announced that every member of the Class of 2026 will receive a scholarship to learn the Transcendental Meditation (TM) Technique through support from Dalio Philanthropies in partnership with the David Lynch Foundation. Dalio, who first learned TM while attending LIU in 1969, shared how the practice has positively influenced his personal wellbeing, decision-making, and professional achievements throughout his career. Each graduate also received copies of Dalio’s bestselling books, Principles: Life and Work and Principles: Your Guided Journal, placed on their seats prior to the ceremony.
