Tom Wolf, Michael Bloomberg among area commencement speakers

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, former New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and Philadelphia philanthropist Eustace Wolfington have been announced as commencement speakers at colleges and universities in Delaware and Montgomery counties:

• Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, Ph.D., announces that Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg L.P., three-term mayor of New York City, entrepreneur and philanthropist, will address the Class of 2017 as the University’s commencement speaker. Bloomberg will also receive the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. The university’s 174th commencement will be held Friday, May 19, at 4 p.m. in the Villanova Stadium.

Michael R. Bloomberg is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who served as mayor of New York City for three terms from 2002 to 2012. The technology startup he launched in 1981 to provide real-time data and analysis to the financial services industry has grown into a global company, Bloomberg L.P., that now employs more than 19,000 people in 73 countries. He led the company for 20 years before entering public service full time. Since leaving City Hall, he has resumed leadership of Bloomberg L.P.

Bloomberg was elected mayor of New York City less than two months after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Under his leadership, the city rebounded faster and stronger than expected. His administration raised high school graduation rates by 40 percent, cut crime by a third, reduced the city’s carbon footprint by nearly 20 percent, and increased life expectancy by three years. His economic policies, which supported entrepreneurs, small businesses and emerging industries, such as technology and bioscience, helped to create a record number of jobs.

In addition, honorary degrees will be awarded to: Anne Welsh McNulty, co-founder and managing partner of JBK Partners, a Villanova alumnae and a former trustee whose gift to the University established the Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership; the Rev. Wally Kasuboski, OFM, a Capuchin missionary priest who has spent almost 30 years working to improve infrastructure and access to clean water in rural Panama; and Irwin Medway, a Villanova student since 1993, World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

• Rosemont College is pleased to announce that Eustace Wolfington will serve as this year’s commencement speaker and will be granted an honorary doctoral degree by the College’s Board of Trustees.

Mr. Wolfington’s philanthropic commitment to Catholic institutions in the Philadelphia area has been extraordinary. A man of high principles who genuinely “walks his talk,” he deeply believes that “to much that is given, much is expected.” The Wolfington family has been affiliated with transportation for over a century. “The name on your grandfather’s Brougham,” was the proud slogan of Mr. Wolfington’s great grandfather, who began building carriages in Philadelphia in 1876. Since that time, the Wolfington name has remained at the forefront of one of America’s most competitive industries.

• Cheney University announces that Gov. Tom Wolf will bring the keynote address when the university’s commencement exercises on Saturday, May 13, on the campus’ Quadrangle. Gov. Wolf will be presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service.

“It is wonderful to know that this oldest Historically Black University, founded in 1837 and currently celebrating its 180th birthday, will add Governor Wolf to its list of great speakers,” said Dr. Frank G. Pogue, Interim President of Cheyney. “His message to the graduating class, their parents and university guests will be timely, very encouraging and remembered for many years to come.”

The late Edgar “Sonny” Harris ‘58, former professor for more than 30 years and champion for Cheyney, will receive a Doctorate of Pedagogy posthumously which his wife, Joan Harris, will accept. The mathematics education professor, student government advisor, and faculty union president, motivated and required Cheyney students to strive for excellence in the classroom.

The 11 a.m. ceremony features the Class of 1967, celebrating its 50th anniversary, leading the graduates in the procession, in Cheyney tradition.