Josh Shapiro ’95

Josh Shapiro (Photograph: Provided)

The newly inaugurated governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro ’95, is scheduled to deliver the address to the Class of 2023 during this spring’s University-wide Commencement ceremony.

The May 12 ceremony will mark the 173rd commencement in the University’s history.

Held in Fauver Stadium at the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex on the River Campus, the event will mark the conferral of academic degrees for both undergraduate and graduate students.

The first Rochester alumnus elected to a state’s top executive position, Gov. Shapiro made history in November 2022 as the highest vote getter in Pennsylvania gubernatorial history, winning the election as the Democratic candidate. He was officially inaugurated as governor in January.

As an undergraduate political science major, he was elected to some of his first leadership roles, starting as Students’ Association senator and then becoming president—notably as a first-year student.

During his time on campus, he emerged as a respected student government leader, advocating for such things as increased lighting on campus, new food locations, additional student parking options, and improved communication between students and administrators.

After marrying his high-school sweetheart, Lori, and welcoming their first child, he returned to his hometown of Upper Dublin Township, Pennsylvania, and successfully ran for state representative of the 153rd district.

After winning that role, he helped write and pass some of the toughest ethics laws in Pennsylvania state history. His work earned him a reputation as a rare public servant willing to take on the status quo.

As chair of the Board of Commissioners in Montgomery County, he led a fiscal and ethical turnaround, put the county back on solid financial footing, took early steps to combat the heroin epidemic, and helped the first LGBTQ+ couples in Pennsylvania marry. In 2017, he was elected Pennsylvania’s attorney general and went on to serve two terms before launching his campaign for governor.

The University-wide ceremony kicks off a weekend of celebratory events for graduates, their families and friends, faculty, and staff. While President Sarah Mangelsdorf will confer degrees during the ceremony, graduates will receive their diplomas and be personally recognized as they walk the stage at individual celebration ceremonies conducted by their respective schools and academic departments. Those celebration ceremonies begin on Friday, May 12, and run through Sunday, May 14.