Cheryl Berman [See the video of her speech.]

Cheryl Berman, the 2004 Commencement Speaker, is the Chairman of Leo Burnett North America and Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett USA, as well as the mother of two recent Delphi graduates, Sam and Savana Kretchmar. Cheryl is responsible for Leo Burnett's creative products as well as overseeing the creative and production departments. She also heads the Leo Burnett USA Operating Board. Her work for clients such as McDonald's, Disney, Kraft, Hallmark, and the Chicago Bulls has won a host of industry awards, including Andys, Addys, Effies, Clios and Cannes Lions. A strong supporter of The Delphi Program™, Cheryl has volunteered her time and abilities to help create promotional materials for the school, including our recent summer and fall videos.

Sam Kretchmar
Graduated with Honors

"There is one thing about The Delphi Program that I often forget to acknowledge or even mention when I talk about all of the things it has given me and changed in me. Sure, it's true that the literature program helped me establish firm viewpoints on basic political, ethical and philosophical topics; sure, it's true that the data I learned about logic, planning, organization and finance became intrinsic to my everyday thinking; sure, it's true that outside of the classroom my leadership skills were challenged, my creative ideas were stretched and my personal integrity was strengthened; but what is more encompassing and important than all of those explanations and descriptions is the simple fact that Delphi was fun! I've never had so much fun in my life!"

—Sam Kretchmar

Allan Agami
Graduated with Honors

"I used to think that teachers were just teachers. I couldn't have been more wrong. I now realize that these amazing individuals are really architects. These architects, however, dedicate themselves only to building the foundations of potentially gigantic skyscrapers, leaving the foundations to be built upon.

"I became one of these foundations, and Delphi helped make me into a very strong one. From here whatever I become is up to me; I can build myself into a hovel, or a building the size of the Sears Tower. I have, thanks to Delphi, realized the huge challenges ahead in order to become one of those Sears Towers. Sword in hand, I am ready to jump into the arms of life and tackle all of its challenges."

—Allan Agami

Next >>