University Announces Commencement Speaker

By Kelly Nee | Managing Editor

Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J. will be the commencement speaker for the university’s undergraduate graduation ceremony.

The ceremony will take place at noon at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre.

President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J endorsed Father Keller as the commencement speaker.

“Father Keller has dedicated his life to strengthening, furthering and bettering Catholic and Jesuit education. His congenial warmth and keen sense of humor make him beloved by all who meet him. He is an exceptional teacher, leader and speaker, and I am sure our students and guests will enjoy his message at commencement,” Marina said.

Father Keller is stepping down as vice president for Mission and Ministry at the end of the 2021-2022 academic year. He will return to Scranton Preparatory School as both a teacher and a pastoral minister. He was the longest running president in Scranton Preparatory School’s history, serving for 18 years.

Father Keller served as the university’s interim president for the 2017-2018 academic year, and was also a special assistant to the president. He received an honorary doctoral degree here in 2006.

In 1969, Father Keller entered his Jesuit novitiate in Wernersville. In 1981, he was ordained as a priest and has spent 35 years in Jesuit secondary education.

He has served on the university’s board for 17 years, and was a past trustee at Fairfield University, St. Joseph’s University, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, and Gonzaga College High School.

Father Keller said he is honored to be named this year’s undergraduate commencement speaker.

“This honor means even more to me because of the personal admiration and respect that I have for the University of Scranton’s Class of 2022. This year’s graduates have shown amazing resilience in dealing with all that COVID brought to us these past two years. It is therefore a special privilege to have been asked to have a role in such a significant day in their lives,” Keller said.