Over 1,000 Arcadia University students earned doctoral, master’s, and baccalaureate degrees at Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies on May 19 and 20 on Haber Green. 

At the Graduate Ceremony, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters recipient Lois Haber ’71, ’16H, retired CEO and President of Delaware Valley Financial Services (DVFS), encouraged those receiving doctoral and master’s degrees to find their own path to happiness, even if it is one they did not expect.

Haber shared her own life experiences with graduates, talking about how her greatest accomplishments in her career were not planned. As an English major, Haber said, she always imagined a career in publishing. However, opportunities arose that eventually led to Haber being a co-founder of DVFS, a technology-focused, leading third-party administrator to the insurance industry of variable and fixed annuities and variable life insurance.

“My journey has been exciting, scary, and rewarding, offering many opportunities,” Haber said. “We are fortunate to live in a world of possibilities. Aim high and have the courage to live the life you are meant to live.”

On Friday, more than 600 students processed onto Haber Green in the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony. Gary M. Reedy ’16H, CEO of the American Cancer Society, received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters and told students that community service was a key to a successful life.

“As you go through life, do not be obsessed with fame, fortune, and fans, but rather focus on what is most important: faith, family, and friends,” Reedy said. “Focus your efforts on living a life of significance. Do not go through life asking what other people can do for you. Focus on what you can do for others.”

Members of the Class of 2016 were joined by family, friends, faculty, and staff in celebrating their hard work and achievement. Many graduates reflected on their time at Arcadia, while keeping an eye firmly fixed on the future.

“The past few weeks have been both exciting and nerve-wracking, but I’m ready to take the next steps,” Jen Retter ’16 said. “While there are so many things that I’ll miss about Arcadia, I feel fortunate to have picked a university that prepares students to succeed after graduation.”

The Class of 2016 achieved on the national and international levels and includes an X-Culture Symposium participant, a fellow in a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and several Kennedy Center American College Theater Region II Festival winners.

Additionally, members of the Class of 2016 have published books and articles, presented at regional and national mathematics, health, and science conferences, and competed for regional athletic titles.

Class President Alicia Alvarez ’16 and Vice President Jillian Arenson ’16 presented a class gift of water bottle stations in the Commons and Kuch Center, in order to encourage future classes to live more sustainably.

“Each of you is about to embark on a new path,” President Nicolette DeVille Christensen said. “Be sure that your aspirations are lofty, that your ambition is great, and that your determination is steadfast as you contemplate the ‘why.’ Have confidence to go beyond what you may think possible.”

During the Graduate ceremony, the University presented Dr. Kathleen Mangione, professor of Physical Therapy, with the Professor of the Year award. Additionally, Michelle Angela Del Buono ’16 received the A. Richard Polis Graduate Scholarship Award.

At the Undergraduate ceremony, Danielle Maxson ’16 received the Senior Golden Disc Award for leadership and commitment. Lindsay Ann Miller ’16 earned the Ira R. Kraybill Award for Full-Time Study for academic achievement, while the Ira R. Kraybill Award for Part-Time Study went to Teresa M. Clee ’16. Additionally, The Michael L. Berger Faculty Scholars and Artists Prize was awarded to Dr. Sheryl T. Smith, associate professor of Biology.

After graduating from Arcadia University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Haber was the first alumna to serve as chair of the Board of Trustees. She continues to chair the School of Global Business Advisory Council and remains a dedicated member of the University community. In the span of her career, Haber exercised her leadership skills far beyond Arcadia’s campus. Most significantly, she co-founded Delaware Valley Financial Services (DVFS), a leading third-party administrator to the insurance industry.

Selected as one of Pennsylvania’s Top 50 Women in Business, Haber is also the recipient of two prestigious National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) awards. In addition to her role as the president and CEO of DVFS, Haber served as a high-ranking member of the Center for Women’s Business Research, the Philadelphia chapter of NAWBO, and the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania Advisory Council.

An advocate of empowering women, Haber served as chair of the Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2010. Haber Green, one of the University’s most iconic natural settings, bears her namesake.

As CEO of the American Cancer Society (ACS), Reedy leads the Society’s strategic direction and overall management, overseeing a $900 million annual budget, 2.5 million volunteers, 6,000 staff members, and 11 geographical divisions. A prominent member of the health care industry with nearly 40 years of experience, Reedy previously held leadership roles with SmithKline Beecham and Centocor, served as the worldwide vice president of Government Affairs and Policy at Johnson & Johnson, and was appointed president of Ortho Biotech.

Reedy distinguished his career through his dedication to volunteer work, serving as chair of the American Cancer Society’s volunteer Board of Directors and Cancer Action Network Board and on the boards of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund, and the National Health Council. In recognition of his service, Reedy was elected as an Honorary Life Member of ACS in 2014.