Throughout his rise in the tech industry, Apple CEO Tim Cook has also maintained close ties to Duke.
After earning an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business in 1988, Cook held prominent roles at Compaq and IBM. Eventually, he landed at Apple, heading the tech giant’s Macintosh division then assuming the role of chief operating officer.
As Apple’s CEO since 2011, Cook has overseen the introduction of some of the world’s most innovative products and services and has championed protecting the environment and expanding accessibility.
Meanwhile, his connections to Duke include serving on the Board of Trustees since 2015 and speaking via video during the launch of Duke’s Climate Commitment in fall 2022.
Cook served as Duke’s commencement speaker in 2018, and reflected on his time at Duke during his remarks to graduates and their guests: “I have wonderful memories here, studying — and not studying — with people I still count as friends to this day.
“Cheering at Cameron for every victory, cheering even louder when the victory is over Carolina. Look back over your shoulder fondly and say goodbye to Act I of your life. And then quickly look forward. Act II begins today. It’s your turn to reach out and take the baton.”
In his commencement speech, Cook also praised his predecessor, Steve Jobs. “In every way at every turn, the question we ask ourselves is not what can we do, but what should we do? Because Steve taught us that’s how change happens. And from him, I learned to never be content with the way that things are.”
He added: “Fearlessness means taking the first step, even if you don’t know where it will take you. It means being driven by a higher purpose rather than by applause.”
