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First woman elected mayor of Philadelphia to inspire graduates with message of public service and leadership

�鶹��ý 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 university’s 2025 commencement ceremony.

“Mayor Parker’s trailblazing leadership, commitment to civic engagement and passion for uplifting communities perfectly align with the values and mission of our university,” said �鶹��ý 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 �鶹��ý'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 �鶹��ý."

As the leader of Pennsylvania’s 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 growth—core tenets that mirror �鶹��ý’s commitment to transformational education and community engagement.

Parker holds a bachelor’s degree in English education from Lincoln University and a master’s in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania. Last year she delivered commencement speeches at both institutions. Her life’s work exemplifies servant leadership and the Franciscan values at the heart of an �鶹��ý education.

�鶹��ý’s 2025 commencement ceremonies will celebrate hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students across the university’s four academic colleges and its community-based locations in Reading, Pottsville and Philadelphia.