Catherine McKee van Kampen, Esq. ’84 named Commencement speaker

We are honored to announce that Catherine McKee van Kampen, Esq. ’84 will be Stuart's commencement speaker for the Class of 2025.

Catherine has exemplified leadership throughout her career and life. Following her days at Stuart, he became an award-winning marketing and advertising professional, eventually serving as vice president of a global advertising agency. While raising her children, Catherine pursued her passion for law, earning a law degree while continuing her professional work. She then shifted from media to focus on her legal career, practicing at a prestigious international securities firm and leading a team in litigating complex fraud cases.

Catherine credits Stuart for setting her on the path that shaped much of her adult life, equipping her with the intellectual and leadership tools that helped her navigate the world and the workplace. She is also deeply passionate about volunteerism, serving on nonprofit boards and working with organizations dedicated to alleviating the suffering of ethnic and religious minorities in conflict zones such as Iraq and Syria.

Catherine attributes three transformational aspects of a Stuart education to her success: the development of the whole girl, which leads to a better world; the safe space Stuart provides for intellectual and spiritual growth; and the importance of community service, which contributes to the betterment of society.

Three years ago, Catherine co-founded The Female Advocacy Foundation International (FAFI) alongside trauma doctor, Dr. Michelle Sanders. FAFI's mission is to support women and girls from ethnic, religious, and racial minorities suffering from violence in conflict zones and economically impoverished areas. The foundation offers financial, social, legal, and psychological support through grants, legal education, humanitarian aid, and trauma care programs.

Learn more about FAFI here.