- October, 15, 2026
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Hours before the Boston Celtics wiped the floor with the Charlotte Hornets, Celtics owner Bill Chisholm came to campus for the bi-annual President's Speaker Series. He joined President Gonzalez on stage in a packed Keith Auditorium for an engaging conversation followed by a Q&A session.
Growing up in Georgetown, Mass., Chisholm’s family were big Boston sports fans. Chisholm, himself, was a star high school soccer player. But it was the Celtics that held a special place in his heart. When his father’s job occasionally took him into Boston, Chisholm would sometimes tag along, and they would attend a game.
“There is nothing like being a kid and going to a game and being part of that energy.”
Gonzalez and Chisholm are college friends, and both were members of the men’s varsity soccer team at Dartmouth College. But they did not get a lot of playing time and Chisholm spoke about finding your place on a team in this situation. “It’s important to find a way to contribute when you are not the star, but still part of the team. And believe me, I wanted to be the star! But there are other ways you can have an impact.”
After graduating from Dartmouth, Chisholm worked as an analyst for PaineWebber, as a management consultant at Bain & Company, and eventually joined Symphony Technology Group, a Silicon Valley private equity firm (now STG Partners) as a partner in 2000. He continues to work there as a managing partner and chief investment officer.
Chisholm offered thoughtful advice to students on how to be successful in their goals, internships, and careers.
“It’s important to keep showing up. Do the work. Put yourself out there. Networking is invaluable.”
Chisholm said that his attempt and then success of purchasing the Boston Celtics was an example of “putting himself out there.” While he had closed many deals in his career, he was an unknown contender and did not have any experience in the sports industry.
Chisholm spoke about the moments of joy he finds in team ownership despite the hard decisions that sometimes need to be made. And his love of an internal slogan of the team, “Everyone has a jersey to wear” stressing that everyone who works for the Celtics organization plays an important role in the team’s success.
Before the main event, Chisholm met with student-athletes and students from the Presidential Leadership Program, which prepares students for a life of leadership, civic responsibility, and career success through a range of activities, workshops, and events.
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