Central Texas Engineer and Philanthropist Ali Khataw to Deliver Keynote at the St. Edward’s University May 2026 Commencement
AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward’s University will celebrate the achievements of more than 600 graduates earning doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degrees during May Commencement on Saturday, May 9.
The university welcomes Ali Khataw, a pioneering engineer and philanthropist, as the keynote speaker. Khataw, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Encotech Engineering Consultants, is recognized for expanding educational opportunities, strengthening career pathways and advancing community-driven initiatives throughout Central Texas for more than three decades.
Khataw came to the United States from Pakistan in 1980 to pursue his education at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1984.
In 1990, Khataw founded his engineering firm, specializing in the design of commercial, institutional, governmental and industrial facilities, as well as infrastructure projects. Over the years, he has guided the firm to a reputation for excellence and integrity in Central Texas, while fostering a strong workplace culture — earning recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in 2025 by the Austin Business Journal (ABJ). He was also named an ABJ Power Player from 2023 to 2025 for his significant impact in the City of Austin, including his service as Chair of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce in 2023.
In addition to his leadership in workforce development, Khataw is an avid supporter of volunteerism and philanthropic initiatives across diverse communities. He champions organizations such as the Central Texas Food Bank, Austin Independent School District, United Way for Greater Austin, Goodwill Industries of Central Texas and The Salvation Army. His humanitarian commitment extends globally: through Ali Khataw Photography, he channels his passion for travel and photography into original works captured across Asia and Africa, with auction proceeds supporting nonprofit organizations that serve communities in need.
In recognition of his community stewardship, social impact, and engineering expertise, Khataw received the 2016 Engineer of the Year Award from the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE), Travis Chapter, and was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Austin in May 2025.
Khataw holds a deep conviction in the transformative power of education in the Austin area. His dedication to expanding opportunity is reflected in his board service with E3 Alliance, which advances data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes, and Early Matters Greater Austin, which works to ensure children enter kindergarten prepared to succeed and read proficiently by third grade.
About St. Edward’s University May 2026 Commencement
St. Edward’s will host two separate May Commencement ceremonies at the Recreation and Athletic Center (RAC), one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Guests will be required to present a ticket for entry. Following each ceremony, graduates and their families will join a celebratory toast and take part in the beloved Hilltopper tradition — the Legacy Walk.
Morning Ceremony: 10 a.m.
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences (Graduate & Undergraduate)
Afternoon Ceremony: 3 p.m.
The Bill Munday School of Business (Graduate & Undergraduate)
The morning and afternoon ceremonies will also be available to stream on the university’s YouTube channel.
About St. Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University is a private university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,000 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 55 undergraduate, seven master’s degree programs and a doctorate program. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students distinctive academics and extensive internships, research and service learning opportunities on a vibrant and inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 22 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2026 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s ranked #5 in the Best Regional Universities in the West.