OHIO Alumnus John P. Gainor to speak at Spring Commencement

Celebrated Ohio University alumnus John P. Gainor will deliver the keynote address for OHIO’s Spring 2025 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, May 3.

Gainor, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Ohio University in 1978, served as President and Chief Executive Officer of International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ) until his retirement in 2017. 

In 2016, he was awarded an Ohio University Medal of Merit Award for his outstanding achievements, and he also served as a national trustee for the Ohio University Board of Trustees in 2019.

Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said that the University is proud to welcome Gainor back to campus.

“We are honored that John has agreed to deliver the Commencement Address for both of our undergraduate ceremonies,” President Gonzalez said. “As a business executive, skilled leader, and dedicated OHIO alumnus, John’s success serves as an inspiration to Bobcats near and far. I am grateful he has agreed to share words of wisdom with our Class of 2025.” 

After graduating from OHIO, Gainor launched his career in the transportation industry and for a decade held executive positions with Warner Lambert, a Fortune 150 pharmaceutical and consumer products company.

After Warner Lambert, he held various executive positions in the food service industry. His background includes experience working with franchisors as well as the distribution side of the quick-service and casual dining restaurant business. Gainor also was the president and co-founder of Supply Solutions, Inc., where he developed and designed supply chain and logistics solutions for national chain restaurants.

Gainor began his career with IDQ in September 2003, as chief supply chain officer for Unified Supply Chain, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IDQ. He oversaw the management of all supply chain functions for IDQ including purchasing, logistics, distribution, dairy, frozen novelties, equipment and supplies. 

Gainor currently serves as a director on the board of Saia, Inc., a leading national less-than-truckload and third-party logistics provider that services all 48 contiguous states, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. He also serves on both the compensation and human capital committee and the nominating and governance committees.

“It’s a true honor to have the opportunity to give remarks at my beloved Alma Mater for this year’s Spring Commencement,” Gainor said. “Ohio University was a place that fostered both personal and intellectual growth, and I’m excited to share some valuable advice with this year’s graduating class of Bobcats.”

Over the years, Gainor has maintained involvement in the Beta Kappa chapter of his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. He also shows strong loyalty to Ohio University athletic teams. Gainor and his wife, Nancy, both proud graduates of Ohio University, currently reside in St. Petersburg, Florida. He’s the proud father to their three sons, one of them being a two-time OHIO alumnus, as well as a doting grandfather to nine grandchildren.

Ohio University’s 2025 Undergraduate Ceremonies will be held on Saturday, May 3, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Convocation Center on the Athens Campus.

For additional information on the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies, please see the Commencement website.