Harrisburg, PA – Today, the University of Pennsylvania announced Governor Josh Shapiro will deliver the commencement speech to approximately 383 graduates of Penn Carey Law School’s JD, LLM, LLCM, SJD, and Master in Law programs.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has worked hard to open the doors of opportunity for Pennsylvanians and delivered on his commitment to making higher education more affordable by making historic investments in public education and establishing a new State Board of Higher Education.
“Our Commonwealth is the birthplace of American democracy, and for the last 250 years, Pennsylvanians have worked to make progress, pursue justice, and advance the cause of real freedom. Now more than ever, we need leaders willing to pick up the baton and carry it forward – and I believe the Penn Carey Law Class of 2026 can provide that leadership,” said Governor Shapiro. “Whether it’s holding criminals accountable, standing up for victims, or ensuring Pennsylvanians have access to adequate counsel, I look forward to seeing how these graduates will change the world and serve our communities.”
Penn Carey Law’s commencement ceremony will take place on Monday, May 18, at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia.
“We are honored to welcome Gov. Shapiro as our 2026 Commencement Speaker,” said Dean and Bernard G. Segal Professor of Law Sophia Z. Lee. “His distinguished career and unwavering commitment to public service exemplify the leadership and civic responsibility we hope our graduates will carry with them as they begin their own professional journeys.”
This spring, Governor Shapiro will also speak directly to high school graduates, their parents, teachers, and staff for the second year in a row. More information about those graduation speeches will be released later this spring.
Governor Shapiro has consistently delivered for Pennsylvania’s students at all levels, ensuring they have the opportunity to chart their own course and succeed.
- Across the Governor’s first three budgets, he delivered nearly $3 billion in new funding to schools and under his leadership, for the first time in its history, the Commonwealth is spending nearly $12 billion on K-12 public education.
- Governor Shapiro increased funding for career and technical education (CTE) and apprenticeships by nearly $65 million – a nearly 50% increase – helping more students gain knowledge and skills needed to succeed in higher education and their future careers.
- In 2025, Governor Shapiro secured a $10 million increase for the Student Teacher Stipend Program, helping address educator shortages and making teaching a more accessible and rewarding career path – raising the annual amount available for the program to $30 million.
- The Governor’s 2026–27 proposed budget continues this progress by investing an additional $18 million into vo-tech, CTE, and apprenticeship programs, directs an additional $565 million through the bipartisan adequacy formula, and continues funding universal free breakfast.
Governor Shapiro has made funding for public education and access to higher education a priority — and as Pennsylvania’s future continues to grow, graduate, and succeed, his Administration will continue delivering real results for them.