‘Have a Passion’ and ‘Never Give Up:’ Michael Psaros’ (B’89) Advice to McDonough’s Undergraduate Class of 2025
After four transformative years on the Hilltop, the Georgetown McDonough undergraduate Class of 2025 will embark on the next chapter of their personal and professional journeys. Graduates and their families gathered on Saturday afternoon to celebrate their accomplishments and the lifelong connections they have formed.
This year’s keynote address for the undergraduate commencement ceremony was delivered by Michael Psaros (B’89), co-founder and co-managing partner of KPS Capital Partners, LP, one of the world’s leading private equity firms with over $21 billion of assets under management.
An active member of the Hoya alumni network, Psaros currently serves as the vice chair of the McDonough Board of Advisors and the Advisory Board for the Georgetown University Endowment. Among his many contributions to the McDonough School of Business is the family’s endowment of the Georgetown Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy, the preeminent destination for unbiased expertise at the intersection of finance and policy.
In addition to delivering the commencement address, Georgetown University Interim President Robert Groves awarded Psaros an honorary doctorate at the ceremony.
During his address, Psaros called on the 385 new graduates to carry Georgetown’s core values with them as they embark on their post-graduate endeavors.
“You must use the blessing you received from Georgetown to make the world a better place, each in your own unique way,” Psaros said. “To give more than you receive, to make an impact, to serve with purpose and humility as a force for good in the world. This is Georgetown. This is who we are.”
From West Virginia to Wall Street
Growing up in a small steel town in West Virginia, Psaros did not envision his career would take him to Wall Street. Originally, he intended to get a degree in engineering, work in a mill, and retire in his hometown. That all changed, however, when Psaros was in high school.
Weirton Steel, the mill operated in and named after Psaros’ hometown, announced its closure. Workers decided to try to buy the mill and sent representatives to Wall Street where they met an investment banker who engineered an employee buyout that saved Weirton Steel, thousands of jobs, and the livelihood of Weirton, West Virginia.
“The Weirton employee buyout was my epiphany,” Psaros told graduates. “I witnessed the power of capital to transform American industry, and the incredible power released when labor and management work together. I decided to commit my life to saving industry, jobs, and towns like mine.”
A decade later, Psaros’ story came full circle when he worked for the investment banker who helped save Weirton Steel, with whom he eventually created KPS Capital Partners.
Psaros credits his Georgetown education for changing the trajectory of his life – including the opportunities to intern on Capitol Hill for Senator John “Jay” Rockefeller, study abroad in Japan, and participate in invigorating conversations with peers inside and outside the classroom.
“My Georgetown experience provided me with the tools to compete, the confidence to succeed, and a life-long moral compass,” Psaros said. “The ambition, drive, and work ethic of my classmates opened my eyes to the possible and elevated my expectation of what I could achieve in life. For that, I am eternally grateful.”
Follow Your Purpose and Never Give Up
Before graduates departed the Hilltop, Psaros offered several pieces of advice on how to build a happy and successful life – the first being to lead with purpose.
“Have a passion, purpose, and mission in life,” he said. “Finding your passion is a very personal decision. Only you know what motivates and excites you and provides you with purpose. Whatever path you take in life, do not be influenced by money, by glory, or the opinion of your peers. Find your own path to success and happiness.”
Additionally, Psaros emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong belief system, putting family first, and sustaining valuable relationships, especially those formed on the Hilltop. He encouraged new graduates to remain proud and active members of the Hoya alumni network.
To Hannah Wleklinski (BGA’25), a graduate of the Dikran Izmirlian B.S. in Global Affairs program, the commencement ceremony served as a heartfelt close to her Georgetown career.
“It was nice to have everyone together for one last gathering, and I’m lucky to have spent four years at Georgetown with such amazing peers,” Wleklinski said. “I’m also grateful for the faculty, friends, and family who supported me.”
Carter Weinstein (B’25) felt motivated by Psaros’ speech and appreciated the parting advice he offered to graduates.
“As I reflect upon my time at Georgetown McDonough, leaving with words of wisdom like that is incredibly meaningful,” Weinstein said. “There is something very special about the McDonough community – it’s been a source of motivation during my time at Georgetown and will continue to be after.”
Psaros concluded the speech by encouraging graduates to work hard and take risks, set ambitious goals, find a career mentor (he mentioned that his mentor, Professor Reena Aggarwal, was sitting behind him on the stage today), and consistently strive to be the best version of themselves.
“Never give up,” he said. “Greatness is achieved through grit, determination, and sheer force of will.”
Watch the video recording of the speech.