Congratulations to our graduating students! In keeping with Penn State’s proud academic heritage, we want to make the commencement ceremony a meaningful and enjoyable experience for degree candidates and guests.
Commencement at Penn State Lehigh Valley
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Penn State Lehigh Valley, outdoor ceremony (rain or shine)
2026 Commencement Speaker
Marline Francois has been selected as Penn State Lehigh Valley's Spring 2026 Commencement speaker.
Marline Francois has been selected as Penn State Lehigh Valley's Spring 2026 Commencement speaker.
Biographhy
Dr. Marline Francois-Madden is a nationally recognized thought leader, an Assistant Professor at Morgan State University, a bestselling author of The State of Black Girls, a licensed therapist, a speaker, and a researcher. She has over 18 years of experience in the mental health field and has become a sought-after expert in adolescent mental health and racial identity. Dr. Marline has shared her expertise at dozens of universities, colleges, community organizations, churches, and conferences. Mindfully intersecting the connections between black girls, policy, and mental health, Dr. Marline is a pivotal force who makes it her mission to create equity in black mental health with the astute awareness that equity and equality are not the same thing. Dr. Marline holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Penn State University and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University-Newark. She completed her Ph.D. in Family Sciences and Human Development at Montclair State University. She was named the 2020 Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers - New Jersey Chapter and was honored with the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award by Penn State University - Lehigh Valley campus. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Essence, ABC, CBS, WebMD, and dozen of media platforms regarding her expertise on the psychological well-being of youth. Dr. Marline is actively involved in her community and serves as a board member for several youth organizations. She resides in Maryland with her husband and son.
The 2026 spring commencement ceremony will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend the event in-person.
Registrar Contact Information
Danyell Fondl
Campus Registrar
610-285-5000, Press 1, then 3
[email protected]
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.