May 5, 2011

"I have followed a career path that did not exist when I graduated from the University of Michigan. But this great University gave me the skills to create it," Peter C. Mertz, Visiting Committee member and alumnus, delivered this year's Commencement address April 30. Mertz is chief executive officer and co-founder of Global Forest Partners (GFP), one of the largest timber investment management organizations in the world.

He has more than 35 years of forest management, analytical and investment experience in the timber business. Prior to founding GFP, he was the managing director of UBS Timber Investors and a division manager for International Paper Company. He is a certified forester and a member of the Society of American Foresters and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Read a copy of his address in the attachment