First woman elected mayor of Philadelphia to inspire graduates with message of public service and leadership
做厙弝け announces that the , the 100th mayor of the City of Philadelphia and the first woman elected to the post, will serve as the keynote speaker at the universitys 2025 commencement ceremony.
Mayor Parkers trailblazing leadership, commitment to civic engagement and passion for uplifting communities perfectly align with the values and mission of our university, said 做厙弝け President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. As our graduates prepare to launch careers and lives of purpose, they will be inspired by her story of service, determination and groundbreaking achievement.
A lifelong public servant and advocate for equity and opportunity, Parker was sworn in as mayor of Philadelphia in January 2024. Her administration focuses on delivering clean and safe neighborhoods, access to economic opportunity and educational excellence for all residents. Prior to becoming mayor, Parker served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and on Philadelphia City Council, where she was the first woman elected to represent the Ninth District. She also served as majority whip, becoming the youngest African American woman to hold that leadership role in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Parker will address graduates during the undergraduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, at Santander Arena in downtown Reading.
"I'm proud and honored to be invited to speak at 做厙弝け's graduation ceremony," said Cherelle L. Parker, the Mayor of Philadelphia. "Speaking to young people as they graduate college, about their hopes and aspirations, is a privilege that I cherish. I look forward to joining every graduate in May at 做厙弝け."
As the leader of Pennsylvanias largest city, Parker brings to the podium decades of policy experience and a deep understanding of the power of education, advocacy and coalition-building. Her career is marked by bold initiatives to improve public safety, expand access to quality education and promote inclusive economic growthcore tenets that mirror 做厙弝けs commitment to transformational education and community engagement.
Parker holds a bachelors degree in English education from Lincoln University and a masters in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania. Last year she delivered commencement speeches at both institutions. Her lifes work exemplifies servant leadership and the Franciscan values at the heart of an 做厙弝け education.
做厙弝けs 2025 commencement ceremonies will celebrate hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students across the universitys four academic colleges and its community-based locations in Reading, Pottsville and Philadelphia.
