The successful Wall Street strategist, investment banker and author who serves on the Elon University Board of Trustees will address graduates during two ceremonies inside Schar Center on May 22, 2026.
An Elon University trustee and accomplished Wall Street strategist, Patricia Walsh Chadwick P’16 will draw on a career in finance and a life of wide-ranging experiences to deliver the Commencement address to the Class of 2026 on May 22 in two ceremonies inside Schar Center.
Having carried the lessons of her professional success into new arenas of leadership and service, Chadwick brings a distinctly broad perspective to graduates embarking on their own journeys.
“Patricia Chadwick’s story is one of resilience, intellectual curiosity, courageous leadership and a commitment to lifting others as she climbs,” said Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book. “From the heights of global finance to the deeply personal work of storytelling and advocacy, she has used her experiences to build institutions, mentor emerging leaders and expand opportunities for communities in need. Ms. Chadwick is someone who understands that success is not defined by titles, but by impact.”
Chadwick’s 30-year career in the investment business included roles as a research analyst, a portfolio manager and a strategist. She eventually oversaw the institutional investment business for INVESCO as a Global Partner.
For the last two decades, Chadwick has leveraged her knowledge and experience for several corporate and not-for-profit boards, including Wisconsin Energy, Amica Mutual Insurance Company, Voya Mutual Funds, and Royce Mutual Funds. In addition to her leadership as a trustee of Elon University, she serves on the board of The Avon Theatre, The United Theatre in Rhode Island and The Glimmerglass Festival, where she is vice-chair of the board.
In 2016, Chadwick co-founded Anchor Health Initiative, a Stamford-headquartered health care company that serves the needs of the LGBTQ community in Connecticut. She today serves as the company’s pro-bono CEO.
Chadwick’s first book, “Little Sister,” is a 2019 memoir that tells the story of her growing up in an extreme religious sect. Her second book, “Breaking Glass: Tales from the Witch of Wall Street,” was published in May 2024 and recounts the transition from a challenging childhood to her successful career on Wall Street. Chadwick dedicated “Breaking Glass” to mentors whom she credits for her rise to the top in the demanding world of finance.
Chadwick said she was honored to be invited to deliver this spring’s undergraduate Commencement address.
“As an Elon parent, I have watched with admiration as first President Lambert, and now President Book, have propelled Elon University to new heights in both scholastic excellence and expanded degree programs,” Chadwick said. “The Class of 2026 faced the challenge of spending part of high school under the duress of the COVID pandemic and remote learning, and their graduation from Elon University exemplifies their commitment to excellence.”
Chadwick and her late husband, John, are the parents of Jim Chadwick ’16, who earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Elon before pursuing his MBA at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. Chadwick joined the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Advisory Board in 2014 and provided strategic leadership as the board’s chair.
With hobbies and interests that include global travel, opera, and canning, Chadwick publishes frequent posts and life updates on her website: www.patriciachadwick.com.
About Elon University
Elon University is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture.
At Elon, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff whose priorities are teaching and mentoring. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences with emphasis on global experiences and career development. More than 70 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education and health care. Elon is ranked No. 1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.
Elon’s academic divisions include Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the School of Communications; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; the School of Health Sciences; and the School of Law, with programs in Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina.