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Roche Diagnostics President and CEO Matthew Sause ‘99 to address graduating students at this spring’s CAS Recognition Ceremony

Like most 17-year-olds, Matthew Sause did not know what career path he wanted to study at Miami University. All he knew is that what interested him the most was life sciences. Today, Sause works as president and CEO of Roche Diagnostics, which focuses on finding deeper understandings of genetic mutations and inherited diseases.

Matt Sause
Voices Campus Life Campus Announcements Oxford and Beyond Global Connections Excellence and Expertise

Roche Diagnostics President and CEO Matthew Sause ‘99 to address graduating students at this spring’s CAS Recognition Ceremony

Like most 17-year-olds, Matthew Sause did not know what career path he wanted to study at Miami University. All he knew is that what interested him the most was life sciences. Today, Sause works as president and CEO of Roche Diagnostics, which focuses on finding deeper understandings of genetic mutations and inherited diseases.

“When you're 17, you know, you enroll in classes you're interested in. It was as simple as that. I followed my interest,” he said.

The 1999 Microbiology graduate is returning to Oxford on May 14 as the College of Arts and Science alumni commencement speaker.

After graduating from Miami, Sause was working as a consultant when a client company saw his potential and brought him on board. Eventually, he followed a colleague to Roche.

Through his 23-year-long career, Sause’s education has prepared him well.

“Science is always changing and evolving,” he said. “But I think it prepared me to ask good questions, and it also provided me with a strong background in some of the fundamental aspects of science that allowed me to build on as I progressed in my career. Given the field I was in, it was essential for being successful.”

Making an impact in healthcare

Sause is responsible for the North American operations of Roche Diagnostics. Because Roche is based in Switzerland, he has to do a good amount of international travel. While working at the company, he has lived in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Peru, Ireland, and currently the United States.

“My job is to orchestrate the different departments and functions to do their job effectively and then dive deep into topics that are particularly important,” Sause said. “Like supporting the national COVID response or launching a new technology.”

He was 25 when he originally decided to work at Roche. The company had just acquired another corporation that had Nobel prize-winning technology that was used to decode the human genome and could help diagnose disease with molecular precision.

“That was exciting for me,” he said. “Over the years I’ve worked in a lot of different parts of the organization, including pharmaceutical. My passion for why I work at Roche is driven by creating access to healthcare innovation, particularly in areas where there are high levels of disparity.”

Sause explained that Roche spent a significant amount of time to increase access during the pandemic because people were disproportionately affected by the virus. His company worked to actively ensure that, independent of geography or socioeconomic status, everyone had access to testing.

Early in his career, Sause lived in Japan to work as a commercial operations manager for Roche.

“Japan was the first place I lived overseas,” he said. “It was a big culture shock for me, and as a consequence, I think I gained the most learning. Japan has a unique healthcare system which is very different from the United States.”

This learning experience deeply affected Sause’s focus at Roche.

“I want to make an impact on human health and on access to innovative healthcare technologies,” he said. “That’s why I’m doing the job.” 

Inspiring Miami faculty and advice to graduates

Sause said that he also owes a great deal to his professors here at Miami, who were instrumental in shaping his progression.

Dr. Gary Janssen (1951-2015) was my microbial physiology professor; he was fantastic,” he said. “Learning from him and having his advice was invaluable to me. I also did an independent study with Dr. Eileen Bridge, who was patient with me and invested in my development.”

“My finest memories are the quality of the teachers and how they invested in seeing students be successful in terms of, ‘do they understand what they’re learning?’ I don't know that you see that everywhere.”

Sause implored students to take advantage of Miami’s resources and education.

“Appreciate the quality of education you’re getting and make sure you maximize it,” he said. “I’d like to think that I did that alright, but I know I could have done better. ”

As seniors get ready to don their caps and gowns, Sause also offered some parting advice.

“You should follow your passion and your interest,” he said. “If you do so, I imagine you're going to take maximum advantage of it. Whatever your course of study or focused area, do what drives you the most. Do what inspires you the most. If you pursue your passions, you'll never go wrong.”

Visit our commencement website for more information regarding the CAS Recognition Ceremony.