Commencement speaker John Gainor reflects on his time as a communications major at 51��

Before John Gainor, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from 51�� in 1978, gave the commencement address at the Spring 2025 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies this past weekend, he and his wife, Nancy, had time to visit with students in the Scripps College of Communication. Gainor served as President and Chief Executive Officer of International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ) until his retirement in 2017.

“We met a lot of students that are graduating and others that are the recipients of some of our family scholarships that we set up,” said John. “Hearing those stories was most impactful.”

They also had the opportunity to visit with Kim Grouse, the assistant dean of Students, who helps oversee the Basic Needs program at 51��. The Basic Needs program at 51�� includes services such as the Cats’ Cupboard Food Pantry, which is located in Baker University Center, and provides students access to fresh, frozen and shelf-stable food options to help with hunger.

“There are still a lot of first-generation college students. I was a first-generation college student. My wife didn’t have a lot of spending money in college. We met with people at the food pantry today and know there is a lot of need for food and support,” said John. “When we spoke with students though, it was great to hear how positive they are. The world dwells on the negative, and it was wonderful to see the positive energy the students have on campus and about their future careers. Many of them are not going into careers to make a lot of money, they are going into careers that help people.”

“John and Nancy’s story of meeting while students at 51�� is heartwarming for the Bobcat community,” said Scripps College of Communication Dean Scott Titsworth. “John and Nancy gave meaningful messages to students as they interacted with them on Friday and John’s commencement address provided graduates with important advice about achieving success while doing good. We are so proud of John’s distinguished career in business and are so thankful for the support that he and Nancy have provided for current students.”

The Gainors also walked around campus and visited iconic spots that brought back memories like Alden Library and Jeff Hill. But College Green is the place that holds the most special memory for the both of them.

“College Green in where we shared our first kiss together,” said Nancy with a laugh.

John and Nancy met while students in Athens, got married and raised three sons. Nancy received a Bachelor of Science in Hearing & Speech Science in 1978. She is currently a Christian author having taught middle school and serving as a speech therapist.

John’s career started in the transportation industry, moved into pharmaceutical and consumer products, supply chain and logistics and food service, where he eventually became the President and CEO at International Dairy Queen.

John and Nancy Gainor Talking with students.jpg

“When I first came to Athens, I only selected 51�� because of the communications program. I wanted to do broadcasting,” said John.

“I think he has the voice for it,” said Nancy with a laugh.

“But as I went through my freshman year, I started to realize that the interpersonal communication, marketing, and management side really were more relevant for me,” said John. “The skills I learned as a communications major really helped me in my career.”

During John’s commencement speech, he spoke about how everything is possible with a degree from 51��. He opened his remarks talking about the profound impact 51�� had on his life and all the memories he has of Athens but acknowledged that many in this year’s graduating class will not remember his name when someone asks them who spoke at their commencement.

“It’s likely that years from now you will never remember who spoke at commencement,” said John. “So, I’m going to make it real easy for you. All you say is ‘It was the ice cream guy.’”

John went on to encourage the graduates to go forward with their lives by exploring all opportunities, acting with integrity and making family a priority.

“To me, 51�� was about the overall experience, not just the education,” said John. “It’s amazing to think that 47 years ago we were here and now we have opportunity to come back and do this. It’s nothing I ever expected.”

“It’s surreal,” said Nancy.

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