Congratulations Class of 2025!
SP2 Commencement
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Pre-Ceremony Reception
The Inn at Penn
3600 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA
2:00 – 5:30pm ET
Graduation Ceremony
The Palestra
223 S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA
6:30 – 8:00pm ET
Graduation Speaker
Linda Goler Blount
The 2025 Commencement address for the School of Social Policy & Practice will be delivered by Linda Goler Blount, MPH, the new President and CEO of Community Catalyst whose mission is to ensure the nation’s healthcare system is accountable to all by prioritizing people over profit and removing structural racism and inequities from the delivery of care.
Most recently, Linda was President of the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI), serving from February 2014 to April 2025. There she steered the organization’s strategic direction to address critical health issues affecting Black women and girls in the U.S. Prior to BWHI, she was the Vice President of Programmatic Impact for the United Way of Greater Atlanta and the inaugural National Vice President of Health Disparities at the American Cancer Society.
A recognized speaker and public health leader, Linda serves on several boards, including the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review and the University of Michigan School of Public Health’s Summer Enrichment Program. She holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering/Operations Research from Eastern Michigan University.
Graduation Schedule
2:00PM
SP2 Pre-Ceremony Reception begins at the Inn at Penn
3:30PM
Welcome remarks from Dean Bachman
4:00PM
Graduates will be escorted from the Inn at Penn to the Palestra
5:30PM
Pre-Ceremony Reception ends & graduates begin to line up for processional
Families should be able to begin entering the Palestra around 5pm
6:30PM
SP2 Graduation Ceremony begins
Presentation of Graduates:
PhD, DSW, Internal Dual Degree, MSNPL, MSSP, MSSP+DA, MSW
8:30PM
Closing Remarks / Recessional
Accessibility Information
The Palestra doors open at 5pm for ADA seating. Our accessibility team will be stationed at 33rd St. at the crosswalk between Franklin Field and Walnut St. near the Palestra entrance. A golf cart will transport those with accessibility needs from 33rd St. to the Palestra where staff will be available to guide them to the designated sections. For guests attending the Pre-Ceremony Reception at the Inn at Penn, there will be transportation from the Inn at Penn to the Palestra starting at 4:30PM.
Additional Information
Those who requested accessible seating in the Palestra will have reserved seats marked with their graduates’ names. Others in their party will be able to sit right behind them.
After graduation, there will be two golf carts assisting those in need from the Palestra back to the handicap sign on 33rd St. If requesting this service, we greatly appreciate your patience as our staff members work diligently to get everyone back and forth in a timely manner.
Seating Chart
Accessible seating is available in the following sections:
Section 202/203
Section 216-217
Section 218/219
FAQs
What is the difference between the SP2 Graduation Ceremony and the University Commencement Ceremony?
- At the SP2 Graduation Ceremony, graduate names are called and students walk across the stage.
- At the University Commencement Ceremony, schools are recognized by their Dean. Graduates do not walk across the stage.
- Diplomas are not distributed at either ceremony.
- Students are not required to attend either ceremony.
- Tickets are not required for either ceremony.
What time should I arrive for the graduation ceremony?
Line up for the graduation ceremony starts at 5:00pm but you should definitely consider joining us for SP2’s Pre-Ceremony Reception at 2:00pm.
Student Prizes & Awards
HAL LEVIN AWARD
Joonhyeog Park
This award is presented to meritorious students in the Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare program who are continuing the process of completing coursework.
DR. RAM CNAAN AWARD
Christopher A. Burner
This award is presented to a meritorious student in the Doctorate in Clinical Social Work program who has completed the third year of coursework.
WILSON SPIGNER AWARD FOR SOCIAL POLICY EXCELLENCE
Edgar Bruno Diaz Castro
This award is presented to a graduate student in the Master of Science in Social Policy program who has demonstrated a record of intellectual inquiry and academic excellence and who is committed to using research to analyze and shape socia plolicy locally, nationally, and/or globally. The award is named in honor of the Reverend Dr. Welford Robinson Willson II, and his daughter, Dr. Carol Wilson Spigner, the first faculty director of the MSSP Program, who are often forgotten, through research-based change in policy and organizations.
EXCELLENCE IN SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Ferrisa Danyel Connell
This award is presented to a meritorious graduating student in the Nonprofit Leadership program who has a record of academic excellence and has shown promise in using their talents and knowledge to create positive social impact.
RICHARD J. ESTES GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Margarita Maria Sanchez Isaza
This award is presented to a graduating international student in the Nonprofit Leadership program who embodies a commitment to social impact, who has a record of academic excellence and who is committed to using their talents and knowledge to make a difference in the world.
ROSA WESSEL AWARD
Alice Mei Wu
This award is presented to a meritorious graduating student in the Master of Social Work program who is selected based on academic performance and one or more of the following: exemplary student leadership, innovative activities in the field practicum, and exceptional community service.
DR. RUTH E. SMALLEY AWARD IN INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE
Mallory Marshall Moore
This award is presented to a member of the Master of Social Work graduating class who, through their writing, participation in class discussions, and experience, has demonstrated an interest in, and a working knowledge of, the international and cultural dimensions of social work practice, and the application of practice to research.
SP2 STUDENT OF EXCELLENCE
Renette Lee
SP2 student who has had a positive impact on the SP2 community through their collegiality, service, and community engagement inside and outside of the classroom.
Excellence in Teaching Awards
The Excellence in Teaching Award is presented to members of the
standing and non-standing faculty in recognition of excellence in
teaching and mentoring.
Full Time Faculty Recipients
Kate Ledwith, DSW, LCSW
Kim McKay, PhD, LSW, MEd
Part Time Lecturer Recipients
Jennifer C. Jones, MSW, PhD, LCSW
Walter Palmer, JD