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Cassandra Coleman ’10, of Exeter, Pa.—executive director of America250PA and member of the King’s College board of directors—will deliver the keynote address to more than 400 students for the 77th Commencement on May 15, 2026, at the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza.

As part of the ceremony, Coleman will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in recognition of her lifelong commitment to public service.

“I’m deeply honored and humbled to be part of this milestone for the Class of 2026,” said Coleman. “Commencement marks a new beginning—for these graduates and for our country as we approach the Semiquincentennial Summer. King’s College continues to shape my sense of purpose and service, and I’m thrilled to celebrate a group of young people ready to meet the moment in this historic year.”

“As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great nation, I am thrilled that our alumna, Cassandra Coleman, who has been tireless in her efforts to promote its celebration throughout the Commonwealth, will serve as our commencement speaker,” said King’s College president Rev. Thomas P. Looney, C.S.C., Ph.D. “From her student days at King’s to the present, Cassandra has served the common good with authenticity, compassion, and a ‘get things done’ spirit. As a young professional woman, she models for our graduates, the values, and professional aspirations of a King’s College education.”

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA)—established to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States—appointed Coleman as executive director in September 2019. She is the longest serving America250PA director in the nation.

Coleman previously served as special advisor to Governor Tom Wolf and was responsible for intergovernmental and constituency services across 28 counties. In 2014, she founded and served as president of Coleman & Associates, which provides fundraising and event planning services for companies, non-profit organizations, and state, county, and local political candidates.

Coleman was one of the youngest female mayors in the history of the United States. In 2008, at the age of 20, she was appointed mayor of Exeter to fill her late grandfather Mayor Joseph Coyne’s term. She was re-elected twice.

Oprah Magazine featured her in a segment titled “Women Who Defy Age.” Coleman was also featured in a national NBC segment called “The Smart Woman.” The Times Leader Media Group honored her in 2008 as a “Top 40 under 40” recipient and in 2019 as one of “14 Distinctive Women.” In addition, she was named in Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s “Top 25 Women in Business” and recognized in City & State PA’s “Top 40 under 40” and Impact Awards. She was also honored with the Young Professional Women’s Leadership Award by Athena International.

Coleman serves on the King’s College board of directors and chairs its Red & Gold Gala Committee. She also serves in Leadership Northeast, Children’s Service Center, and Junior League of Wilkes Barre. She previously served as president of the Wyoming Area Foundation.

In 2018, Coleman won the King’s College Leo Award, which is bestowed upon alumni who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and community service. She is also a 2006 graduate of Wyoming Area High School in Exeter, where she created a scholarship in honor of her grandfather for seniors pursuing careers in public administration and government.