PHILADELPHIA, PA – For the Peirce College Class of 2024, lifelong learning is more than just a catch phrase. For many of these 336 graduates, the pursuit of a higher education credential has been years in the making.

On June 7, 2024, Peirce College held its 159th Commencement at the Miller Theater on South Broad Street to celebrate these dedicated students.

“The Class of 2024 have overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve their goals and get where they are today,” said Dr. Mary Ellen Caro, Peirce College President & CEO. “While balancing the unexpected demands of the pandemic, they completed a rigorous academic schedule and have earned the credentials that will help them realize their personal and professional goals. We are honored to call them Peirce graduates.”

Peirce, Pennsylvania’s only four-year Predominantly Black Institution and the only college or university in the Commonwealth dedicated exclusively to adult learners, specializes in helping non-traditional students complete college credentials as they pursue career and personal advancement. Graduates like:

• Shannae Taylor ‘98, who earned her AS in Business Administration from Peirce decades ago, but re-committed herself to finishing her bachelor’s in 2019. While balancing entrepreneurship, the pandemic, and brain surgery, she completed not just her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, but also two certificates in Client Services and Quality Service Management.
• Michelle Hall ‘20, ‘22, who recently completed her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Hall completed three degrees over the course of six years, while working full time and raising two children.
• Heather McCarron, who never thought she would be a college graduate. After a decades-long career in HR, she hit a career ceiling with only a high school education. She started out originally intending to only earn a Certificate of Proficiency, but was encouraged by her advisor to complete her bachelor’s. She graduated on June 7th with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a certificate in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging, making her family – including three young children – incredibly proud.

With an average age of 39, the Peirce Class of 2024 includes 67 graduates over the age of 50. In addition, 79 percent of graduates identify as women, and 52 percent of graduates identify as Black or African American.

The Class of 2024 includes:

• The first 18 graduates of the College’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, as well as the first graduates of certificate programs in Cloud Computing and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
• Twenty-six graduates from the College’s partnership with the JetBlue Scholars program.
• Eighteen graduates of the innovative Career Bridge program. Launched at the height of the pandemic to address systemic inequity in unemployment and displacement, the program helps low-income students earn industry-recognized credentials at no cost.
• Seven graduates of the Project RECONNECT program through a one-of-a-kind partnership with the Chester County Economic Development Council that removes financial barriers to degree completion through assistance with tuition balance remediation, childcare costs, transportation needs, tuition and fees, and books.

Chellie Cameron, president and CEO of The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, served as this year’s Keynote Speaker. Cameron previously served as CEO for the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation, including both Philadelphia International and the Northeast Philadelphia Airports, and was the city’s chief aviation representative in local, state, national, and international affairs. She was responsible for the operation of the airport system, and directed the planning, development, and administration of all airport activities during her tenure. Cameron served on Philadelphia’s aviation leadership team for 11 years, including 6 ½ years as CEO.

Prior to these roles, she spent 13 years working for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and served for seven years as an active-duty officer in the United States Air Force and one year as an Air Force civilian employee. She completed her military service in 1998 as an active-duty Captain.

She serves on numerous boards across the region, including the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the University City Science Center, the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. She is the former Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Economic and Community Advisory Council and served on other international, national, and local boards and advisory groups.

Cameron was recently highlighted in Philadelphia Magazine’s “150 Most Influential Philadelphians” list, the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2024 “Power 100” list, and City & State PA’s 2024 “Philly Power 100” and 2023 “Power of Diversity” lists.

The student keynote address was given by Steven Edwards, a former offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) who is graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. Edwards spent five years in the NFL, with the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, and Baltimore Ravens. He also played in the United Football League and the Arena Football League, including a year spent with the Philadelphia Soul. Edwards currently lives in Chicago.

While many of the 336 graduates attended in person, those unable to celebrate at the theater were invited to join the livestream on the College’s YouTube channel, as slides with all graduate names were shown. Graduates shared photos and videos of their watch parties using the hashtags #PoweredbyPeirce and #PeirceCommencement2024.

“We are extremely proud of Shannae, Michelle, Heather, Steven, and all of the graduates who came to Peirce to advance their education and their careers,” said Dr. Caro. “I am also thankful to Ms. Cameron for helping us celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of the Class of 2024.”

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