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The Jackson Laboratory CEO to Deliver Commencement Address at 127th Husson Graduation

Published on: December 1, 2025

A man gives a speech from a podium. He's gesturing with his hands.

Husson University is pleased to announce that Dr. Lon Cardon, President and CEO of The Jackson Laboratory, will deliver the address at the 127th Husson University Commencement on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

An internationally recognized geneticist and demonstrated leader in academic, pharma and biotech research, Cardon joined The Jackson Laboratory, or JAX, in November 2021. Since then, he has led a bold strategic vision that builds on JAX’s nearly 100-year expertise in mouse models and genetics. Under his leadership, JAX has expanded into human cellular modeling and into data science, establishing a first-of-its-kind discovery platform designed to accelerate cures and transform human health. Before joining JAX, Cardon served as chief scientific officer and chief scientific strategy officer at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., a rare disease biotechnology company. Earlier he was senior vice president and head of genetics, quantitative sciences and alternative discovery/development at GlaxoSmithKline plc, where he chaired the Discovery Investment Board, overseeing research funding across all therapeutic areas.

Cardon also has a background in academia. At the University of Oxford from 1998 to 2006, he was a professor of bioinformatics, a Wellcome Trust principal fellow, and head of bioinformatics and statistical genetics at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics. He was also a professor of biostatistics at the University of Washington and co-chair of the Herbold Bioinformatics Program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle from 2006 to 2008.

“It is an honor to have Lon Cardon join Husson University on this important day in the lives of our dedicated and career-ready graduates,” said President Lynne Coy-Ogan. “Dr. Cardon’s career across academic, pharma and biotech research, along with his leadership experience, is an inspiration to us all. We are excited for him to share his wisdom with our graduates as they head out into the world.”

Husson’s 127th Commencement Ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on Saturday, May 9, 2026.