Philadelphia D.A. Seth Williams chosen to inspire Abington graduates

Chancellor Karen Wiley Sandler will engage in one of her favorite duties as head of the scenic, suburban Penn State Abington campus -- congratulating nearly 250 students as she shakes hands and bestows upon them their hard-earned degrees. The ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, in the Athletic Building. Seth Williams, Philadelphia's District Attorney and a Penn State alumnus himself, will be the keynote speaker.

Williams attended Penn State Abington and graduated from Penn State's University Park campus in 1989 with a degree in political science. Already having tested the political waters, Williams was the student government president as well as president of the Black Caucus at Penn State. He earned his juris doctor degree from Georgetown University where he graduated with distinction as a public interest law scholar in 1992. After graduation his dedication to public service brought him home to Philadelphia.

On Nov. 3, 2009, Williams decisive victory at the polls made history not only in Philadelphia but in the state of Pennsylvania. With more than 75 percent of the vote Williams became the first African American District Attorney in the city of brotherly love and in the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In his first year of service, Williams already is making reforms to improve the city's crime statistics and the state of education by enhancing crime prevention programming. His historic achievement is sure to inspire many Penn State Abington graduates, especially considering how the campus is noted for its diverse student population.

The AbingTones, Penn State Abington's select a cappella group, will entertain a full house by singing both the National Anthem and the Alma Mater.

 

Contact