Tom Boldt named 2023 Commencement Speaker
April 21, 2023
Finlandia University is proud to announce that Tom Boldt, CEO of The Boldt Company, will be the 2023 Commencement Keynote Speaker on Sunday, May 7, at 1:30 p.m.
Tom Boldt has served as CEO of The Boldt Company since 1998. He represents the fourth generation of family leadership at the Appleton, WI-based construction management and general contracting firm. The Boldt Company is one of the top 70 firms in the nation. An early advocate for sustainable building practices and lean processes, Boldt serves as a link between his firm’s past and present, positioning the company as one of America’s most respected industry leaders.
Boldt’s many accomplishments include induction into the Wisconsin Safety Hall of Fame and receiving the UW-Madison Construction Club Lifetime Achievement Award, Constructor of the Year Award by the American Institute of Constructors, Rotarian of the Year Award by the Appleton Downtown Rotary Club, and being named a Wisconsin Academy Fellow. Boldt is an active community volunteer. He speaks on topics related to business, ethics, sustainability and safety.
Boldt’s ties to Finlandia University date back to his childhood, spending many summers in the U.P. with his grandparents, Ken and Marcella Hamar. His parents, OC and Pat Hamar Boldt, were attracted to Finlandia’s mission.
Feeling their financial support would make a difference at Finlandia, The Boldt Family has created an extraordinary legacy of generosity through personal and company gifts for over 30 years.
An alumnus of fellow ELCA affiliate St. Olaf College, Tom and his wife Renee share a passion for liberal arts education, volunteer service and goodwill. They have two children, Phillip and Claire.
2023 Commencement Weekend Schedule
FRIDAY, MAY 5
- Commencement Rehearsal: 11:30 a.m. in Hirvonen Hall Gymnasium
SUNDAY, MAY 7
- Baccalaureate: 10:30 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
- Commencement Ceremony: 1:30 p.m. in Hirvonen Hall Auditorium
- Commencement Reception: Will take place immediately following commencement, on Quincy Green
- Service of Commendation for Finlandia University: 6:00 p.m. in Hirvonen Hall Auditorium