Rush University announced on Apr. 27 that Ted Love, MD, will serve as the commencement speaker for its 54th Commencement Ceremony. The event is scheduled for May 2 at Credit Union 1 Arena and will honor more than 700 graduates.
The choice of Dr. Love as speaker highlights his influence in the biopharmaceutical industry and his leadership experience. During his time as president and CEO of Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT), he guided the company from a pre-clinical start-up to a multinational commercial business and introduced an innovative treatment for sickle cell disease.
In an interview with Rush University, Love said, “The number one thing I would encourage people to do is follow their passions. I’ve met many people in life who are extremely successful but they were not doing what they wanted to do, and as a consequence they were not as fulfilled.” He also emphasized teamwork: “For me, it has always been about the mission… Did the team win? That’s the important part.”
Love reflected on advice he received early in his career: “The first is to always be prepared… The second piece of advice I learned in medical school is that saying ‘I don’t know’ can sometimes be the best answer.” He described how biotechnology did not exist when he graduated from medical school but evolving technology led him toward unexpected opportunities.
He recounted experiences developing treatments for sickle cell disease: “Very early on in GBT, we were very clear on the mission and that mission was the patient.” He shared stories about connecting with patients and families affected by sickle cell disease and said these moments reinforced his commitment to meaningful work.
Love advised graduates to pause periodically during their careers: “I would encourage young people to pause every once in a while and think about what you want your life to mean, what you want your career to mean… The other bit of advice is to live your life in thirds.” According to him, this means focusing first on self-development, then applying skills professionally, followed by giving back through philanthropy.
Rush University Medical Center is located in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1837; its current president is Dr. Omar Lateef. The hospital includes a pediatric ward and serves as a training hospital according to available information.
The university’s selection of Dr. Love underscores its focus on innovation and community impact within health care fields.
