OXFORD, Miss. – Tewolde Gebremarian, chief executive officer of Ethiopian Airlines, is this year’s commencement speaker for the University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media.
Gebremarian, who has been in the spotlight since the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 earlier this year, will address the graduating class at 3 p.m. Saturday (May 11) in Tad Smith Coliseum.
Gebremariam
On March 10, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 was scheduled to fly from Ethiopia to Nairobi, but something went horribly wrong. The Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft crashed six minutes after takeoff, killing all 157 people aboard. It is the deadliest accident involving an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft in the company’s and country’s history.
Many lessons can be learned from tragedy. Gebremariam will discuss how companies and communications professionals move forward after experiencing a crisis.
“Our speaker comes from a nation that, like Mississippi, is much maligned in many parts of the world,” said Will Norton Jr., dean of the School of Journalism and New Media. “Under his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines has become the largest airline in Africa and the most modern airline in the world.”
Ethiopian Airlines flies to 61 cities in Africa and 45 other cities worldwide, including Washington; Newark, New Jersey; Los Angeles; and Chicago. Beginning this summer, the airline will offer flights to Houston and New York.
Ethiopia’s prime minister has lauded Gebremariam for his work ethic, and he has received many honors, including African CEO of the Year, Best African Business Leader and the 2015 International Grand Prix Special Award in Milan.
“Throughout this difficult time for his airline and the people of Ethiopia, he has provided remarkable leadership,” Norton said. “He has international respect and has demonstrated in recent months why he has garnered such uncommon regard.”
Gebremariam said the crash is a “profound loss” that has affected the 12,000 employees of Ethiopian Airlines, and it has been felt deeply by the country’s people.
“It has changed the world of aviation as we all seek answers and solutions to make air travel safe,” he said.
Gebremariam said he is proud of the partnership the university has formed with Ethiopian Airlines. Ole Miss integrated marketing communications students recently traveled to the country to work on a campaign to increase awareness about the airline in the U.S., and the company is working with the School of Journalism and New Media to offer the IMC master’s program to its employees.
Gebremariam will be available for media interviews. To request an interview, contact Debora Wenger, assistant dean for innovation and external partnerships and associate professor of journalism, at 662-915-7912 or drwenger@olemiss.edu.
Tickets are not required for the 3 p.m. ceremony. For more information, visit http://jnm.olemiss.edu/.