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n May 12, the newest graduates gathered at Biemesderfer Stadium to receive their diplomas. James E. Nevels, founder of The Swarthmore Group, an independent investment firm headquartered in Philadelphia, was the keynote speaker. In his remarks, he spoke of the importance of creating a personal brand based on who you are and what you can do. Nevels, who serves as the non-executive chairman of the board of The Hershey Company and deputy chairman of the board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, also chaired Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission, which oversaw the turnaround of Philadelphia’s school system. “Business is personal. We want to work with people who we trust, like and can build future growth together. Your words, your actions, your enthusiasm, your skills, your commitment to family and community are your brand,” said Nevels. Through personal experience, Nevels explained that having “the right teacher, the right school and the right learning program makes all the difference in creating aspiration and building personal confidence. In other words, a good education is the greatest gift any of us can ever receive.” During the commencement ceremony, Millersville presented three honorary doctoral degrees. The recipients, James E. Nevels, William J. Reuter and Carlos Graupera, were recognized for their outstanding contributions as leaders in business, banking and public service. Reuter is the chairman and chief executive officer of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc., a financial services holding company with approximately $14 billion in assets. Reuter has held leadership roles in numerous professional and community service organizations throughout Maryland. He has also served as vice president, director and chairman of the Maryland Bankers Association. Graupera is the executive director and chief executive officer of the Spanish American Civic Association (SACA) in Lancaster. With Graupera at the helm, SACA has steadily grown to meet the needs of the Latino and Lancaster communities. Graupera also serves on the Board of Trustees of Fulton Bank and La Academia Partnership Charter Schools.
Top, left: Excitement was in the air as the 1,128 undergraduate students made their way to Biemesderfer Stadium for the Saturday morning ceremony. Top, right: Following James E. Nevels’s keynote address, he along with William J. Reuter (above, left) and Carlos Graupera (above, right) were presented with honorary degrees from Millersville University. Below: One student decorated her cap representing the Class of 2012. Below left: Brittani Davis ’12 chaired the senior class gift committee. Below right: The new graduates, including these sorority sisters, took pictures around campus after the ceremony.
Review Summer 2012 13