Harcum College Announces 109th Commencement Speaker

(Bryn Mawr, PA) — Pennsylvania House Majority Appropriations Chairman Jordan A. Harris is confirmed as speaker and will also receive an honorary doctorate in Political Science at Harcum College’s 109th Commencement Ceremony. The recognition, bestowed upon Chairman Harris for his exceptional leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to public service, will be presented during the ceremony, where he will also address the graduates, sharing his experiences and the importance of public service in today’s world.

Chairman Harris has been a driving force in Pennsylvania's legislative process, with a distinguished career marked by a dedication to advancing equity, access, and opportunity for all. He currently serves as the Majority Appropriations Chairman in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, a position in which he has championed policies and funding that support education, healthcare, and economic development, particularly for underrepresented communities across the state.

In addition to his work as Majority Appropriations Chairman, Harris has been a tireless advocate for criminal justice reform, economic justice, and creating pathways for youth to succeed. His efforts in securing resources for education, workforce development, and the arts reflect his deep commitment. One of his most notable accomplishments is the passage of Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate law, the first of its kind in the nation to implement automatic record sealing for certain nonviolent offenses. This groundbreaking legislation has become a national model, helping to remove barriers to employment, housing, and education for millions of Pennsylvanians who have served their time and are striving to move forward. Clean Slate represents a transformative shift toward redemption and second chances, ensuring that a past mistake doesn’t become a lifetime sentence of hardship.

Harris is the first African American to have held both the positions of Whip and Appropriations Chair in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and only the second African American to serve in either role. He has also served as Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus.

A lifelong resident of South Philadelphia, Harris graduated from Philadelphia's John Bartram Motivation High School. He attended Millersville University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in government and political affairs. He holds a master’s degree in education from Cabrini University and a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Neumann University.

Before pursuing a career in public service, Harris focused on his passion for helping children and young adults—as an educator in the city of Philadelphia, an employee in the Philadelphia Public School System, and as the Executive Director of Philadelphia's Youth Commission. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Nu Sigma Chapter and Cephas Lodge #98 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11 a.m. on Harcum’s campus on the Great Lawn of the Academic Center. For more information on Harcum's Commencement visit: harcum.edu/commencement.

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About Harcum College: Founded in 1915 as the first college in Pennsylvania to grant associate degrees, Harcum College is a private, residential college located on Philadelphia’s historic Main Line. With a strong focus on student success, Harcum provides traditional and non-traditional students with outstanding academic, career, and life preparation in more than 20 in-demand programs Including Dental Hygiene, Early Childhood Education, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Veterinary Nursing. With hands-on teaching, individual mentoring, access to experiential environments, and a variety of current technologies, Harcum students are prepared to succeed. Courses are offered at on-site at Harcum's Bryn Mawr campus and at regional partnership sites, as well as online. For more information, visit harcum.edu.