On Jan. 24, Miami University announced that alumnus Brian Niccol, ‘96, will be this year’s commencement speaker, on the heels of the Chipotle CEO’s $2 million gift to support Miami student athletes.
Niccol, the current CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, will give a keynote address at 10:30 a.m. on May 18 in Yager Stadium.
“It is quite an honor to serve as a commencement speaker, and I am humbled by the invitation,” said Niccol.
Earlier over winter break, Miami announced Niccol had donated $2 million to establish the Niccol Family Basketball Award for Excellence in Academics, named in honor of Brian and his wife, Jennifer Niccol, class of ‘97.
According to a university news release, the Niccol family hopes this grant will boost the men’s basketball program and help more students enjoy the Miami experience.
“The thing that could make the total college experience even better is athletics,” said Niccol in the news release. “And I think, frankly, athletics is the thing, when you’re an alum, that brings you back, and keeps you connected.”
Through this donation, every player that meets academic criteria set by Miami and remains eligible to play will receive up to $5,980 annually, totaling $24,000 during a four-year college career. Financial awards such as this one were made possible through the Supreme Court ruling, Alston v. NCAA 2021, allowing universities to provide student athletes with education-related financial awards.
Brian held multiple management positions at Procter & Gamble in the 10 years following his graduation from Miami. In 2005, he became vice president of Yum! Brands, where he held multiple executive positions at Pizza Hut, including chief marketing officer. Following that, he became CEO at Taco Bell before joining the Chipotle company in 2018. At Chipotle, he is chairman and CEO, driving the brand’s goal to “Cultivate a Better World.” Since taking over leadership at the company, Chipotle’s business has doubled and stock prices have risen 600%.
