Speaker Announced for 2022 Commencement

Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry at The University of Scranton, will serve as the principal speaker at the University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21. The ceremony will begin at noon at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.

“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,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton.

Father Keller, who serves as the rector of the Scranton Jesuit Community, will step down as vice president for Mission and Ministry at the University at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. Previously, he served as interim president at Scranton for the 2017-2018 academic year and also as special assistant to the president. He received an honorary doctoral degree from the University in 2006.

At the conclusion of the academic year, Fr. Keller will return Scranton Preparatory School as a teacher and pastoral minister. Father Keller served as president of Scranton Prep for 18 years and is the longest-serving president in the Jesuit school’s history.

Father Keller entered the Jesuit novitiate in Wernersville in 1969. In 1975, he received a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy from Fordham University. He earned a master’s degree with distinction from Weston School of Theology in Boston and a professional diploma in secondary school administration from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education.

He was ordained a priest in 1981 and has served in Jesuit secondary education for 35 years. Father Keller was named principal of Scranton Prep in 1983 and served in that capacity for eight years. From 1991 to 1997, he was named principal of his alma mater, Saint Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, and also served as rector of the Jesuit Community.

In 2016, Father Keller served as a delegate from the Maryland Province for the Society of Jesus' General Congregation 36. In addition to servicing 17 years on The University of Scranton’s board across several terms, he is a past trustee of Fairfield University and Saint Joseph’s University, as well as Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School and Gonzaga College High School.

Read the announcement of the commencement speaker in The Aquinas.