Oxford, PA, May 5, 2023 -- Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), announced today Governor Josh Shapiro will deliver the keynote address at its 2023 Commencement ceremony on May 7, 2023 at 11 a.m. He will also receive a Doctorate of Humane Letters.
Prior to his inauguration as Pennsylvania’s 48th Governor in January, Governor Shapiro served as a State Representative for the 153rd District before being elected Chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. He served as Attorney General of Pennsylvania from 2017 until being elected Governor. In addition to receiving an honorary degree from Lincoln University, Governor Shapiro holds a juris doctorate from Georgetown University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Rochester.
Lincoln University will also award an honorary degree to three distinguished leaders, Dr. Steve Perry, Dr. Kenneth M. Sadler, and Dr. Ivory V. Nelson. Dr. Perry, a former principal of the well-known Capital Preparatory Magnet School, founded Capital Preparatory Schools in 2012 with a vision to provide quality education and college-bound opportunities to low-income students. A fierce advocate for education, he has appeared on various TV networks and his counsel sought out by renowned public figures.
Lincoln University alumni Dr. Kenneth Sadler is a highly accomplished and distinguished dentist with extensive experience spanning 48 years of general dentistry. Dr. Sadler has held numerous prestigious positions in his field, including serving in the United States Army and attaining the rank of colonel, and serving as the Pacific Region Dental Commander (IMA). He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American and National Dental Associations. Dr. Sadler is passionate about his profession and continues to serve the field as an examiner for licensure of dentists.
Dr. Ivory V. Nelson had a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force and in higher education, when he served as the twelfth president of Lincoln University from 1999-2011 and secured $325 million for campus renewal projects during his tenure. His accomplishments were officially recognized with the opening of the “Ivory V. Nelson Center for Sciences” building in 2009; he was further honored through membership on several boards dedicated to HBCUs, educational equity organizations, and the NCAA III President's Councils, among others.
This year’s graduating class will include more than 350 proud Lincoln graduates.
Contact:
Sara McGovern, Slice Communications
smcgovern@slicecommunications.com
610-914-5977
About Lincoln University
Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), educates and empowers students to lead their communities and change the world. Lincoln offers a rigorous liberal arts education to a diverse student body of approximately 2,200 men and women in more than 35 undergraduate graduate programs.
