Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter, a visionary business leader and philanthropist, will deliver the keynote address at Marian University’s 2025 Commencement ceremony. The event, celebrating the achievements of Marian’s graduating class, will take place on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, at 12:30 pm at Herr-Baker Field.
Dr. Daniels-Carter, of Milwaukee, is the President and CEO of V&J Foods, Holding Companies, Inc., a multi-brand restaurant enterprise, that also operates real estate and corporate ventures. As a distinguished entrepreneur, she has earned national recognition for her leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Her leadership style and business acumen are rooted in her belief in God and commitment to integrity, distinction, and hard work.
Her impressive career includes serving as the first African American female chair of the Automobile Association of America (AAA). She is currently a board member of the Green Bay Packers and a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. She has been honored by Essence Magazine as one of The 50 Most Inspiring African Americans and has also received the Distinguished Business Leader Award at the Governor’s Conference of Wisconsin and the Legacy Award from Black Enterprise Magazine.
In addition to her business endeavors, Dr. Daniels-Carter is deeply committed to humanitarian work. She founded the Empowerment Initiative For Africa, supporting female entrepreneurs and developing educational facilities and water wells across the continent. Locally, she has spearheaded the development of critical community resources, including a Boys and Girls Club, a Family Service Center, schools, and a Credit Union in Milwaukee. In addition to her philanthropy, Dr. Daniels is also a devoted mother, motivational speaker, and author of several books.
The student speaker for the Commencement ceremony will be Connor Powers, a bachelor’s candidate from Appleton, Wisconsin, majoring in Business Administration, Finance, and History, with a minor in Theology. Powers is also a member of Marian’s Men’s Soccer and Track & Field teams, and active in Campus Ministry and Business Club.
Marian University looks forward to welcoming Dr. Daniels-Carter and celebrating the outstanding achievements of its graduating students. Please note that wristbands will be required for guests to enter the stadium. But the entire ceremony will be available by live stream. For additional information about Marian’s Commencement and a link to the live stream, please visit https://www.marianuniversity.edu/graduation/
Marian University was founded in 1936 by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, a group of pioneering sisters, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The university has a rich tradition of dedication to the education of the whole person and offers a variety of undergraduate, masters and adult learning degrees at its main campus and online.