Noted biotechnology business leader and entrepreneur, noted for his important contributions in developing immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, Rami Elghandour ENG’01 will deliver the keynote address at the May School of Engineering convocation exercises.
Drawing on his technical and business expertise, he has built two multi-billion-dollar companies defined as much by their inclusive cultures as by their innovation and performance. Most recently, he grew publicly traded Arcellx from a small private start-up into an $8 billion organization that’s being acquired by Gilead Sciences, Inc.
As an impassioned champion of gender fairness and social equity, Elghandour is a frequent guest lecturer, keynote speaker, and TEDx speaker on unconscious bias and principled leadership. He has earned recognition as an Entrepreneur of the Year, as one of the top CEOs in the U.S., and as a top CEO for women.
In considering his remarks to the SoE Class of 2026, he says, “It feels like yesterday that I was in those seats, ready to graduate. It’s a bit ambitious, but I’d like to share everything I’ve learned so far – and what I wish I’d known then that would have helped me navigate the world.”
“I am so pleased that Rami will return to Rutgers to be part of our school’s convocation celebration of the Class of 2026. His personal and professional actions embody the values and vision of the School of Engineering, making our world a better place through his achievements in healthcare innovation and his commitment to advancing our community,” says Dean Alberto Cuitiño.
In addition to his Rutgers Engineering bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering, Elghandour holds an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.
He is also an executive producer of “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which was an Oscar nominee for Best International Film in 2026, and “American Doctor,” a well-received film that premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
