GRAND RAPIDS – Michael Jandernoa, Former Chairman of the Board & CEO of Perrigo Company, will serve as Davenport University’s 2016 Commencement Speaker at ceremonies to be held May 1 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.

At the event, nearly 2,000 Davenport graduates from across the state of Michigan will celebrate their new degrees, Jandernoa will be presented with an Honorary Doctorate degree by the University. Jandernoa was CEO of Perrigo Company from 1988 to 2000, Chairman of the Board from 1991 to 2003, and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. 

“It is an honor to have Mike Jandernoa as the speaker of our 150th year commencement this May,” said Dr. Richard J. Pappas, President of Davenport University. “Jandernoa’s extensive experience in business and his commitment to the community will resonate well with our new graduates as they move into their professional careers.”

Jandernoa is a graduate of the University of Michigan and was a CPA, having worked at BDO Seidman for seven years prior to joining Perrigo, a leading global healthcare supplier. Hired by Perrigo as CFO in 1979, Jandernoa quickly moved up to EVP of Sales and Finance, then as President and became CEO in 1988. He was promoted to Chairman of the Board and CEO in November 1991, a position he held until May of 2000.

In addition, he is the founder of Jandernoa Entrepreneurial Mentoring, co-founder of Bridge Street Capital Partners, lead investor and Board member of Hopen Life Science Fund, and co-founder and Board member of Grand Angels. He is also the founder and Chairman of 42 North Partners, a family office focusing on investments, entrepreneurship, and community.

Jandernoa serves on the Board of Directors of Business Leaders for Michigan, Metabolic Solutions Development Company, Spectrum Health System, the University of Michigan President’s Advisory Board, Grand Valley University Foundation, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and The Heart of West Michigan United Way.  He is a member of other corporate advisory boards and is a past member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.