Commencement Spring 2025

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 one for degree candidates and guests.

Commencement at Penn State Lehigh Valley
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Penn State Lehigh Valley, outdoor ceremony (rain or shine)

2025 Commencement Speaker

Penn State Lehigh Valley (PSU-LV) is pleased to announce that alumnus Murtaza Jaffer, class of 2002, founder and owner of EBC Printing & Signs in Allentown, has been selected to serve as the PSU-LV Spring Commencement ceremony keynote speaker. 

Jaffer, a native of Tanzania, came to America at a young age. He earned his associate’s degree but wanted to continue growing both academically and personally, he said. He considered Penn State University Park initially but ultimately chose Penn State Lehigh Valley.

“It allowed me to benefit from Penn State’s renowned resources and education while staying close to my family in the Lehigh Valley,” he said. He graduated with a business degree and started EBC Printing & Signs shortly thereafter.

“My education at PSU-LV equipped me with the skills and knowledge to thrive as a partner at EBC Printing & Signs,” he said. “The coursework and experience provided me with a solid foundation in business management, leadership and problem-solving. These tools have been instrumental in contributing to the success of our 15-year-old company, which is a recognized leader in printing, signage, apparel and promotional products.”

A widely recognized business leader in and around the Lehigh Valley, Jaffer has won awards for both EBC Printing & Signs and his service to the business community. Among his accolades are three ADDY Awards for Excellence in Self-Promotion and Networker of the Year Award from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. He sits on the boards of the Ambassador Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Western Lehigh Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Forum for Ethics in the Workplace at DeSales University and the Lehigh Valley Hospital Board of Associates. Jaffer is a strong believer in giving back and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

He mentors students in PSU-LV’s business programs and regularly hires PSU-LV students as interns at EBC Printing & Signs, he said.

“Being part of the PSU-LV alumni network feels like being part of a close-knit brotherhood,” he said. “It has allowed me to build meaningful relationships and even collaborate professionally with fellow alumni. Staying connected is not just beneficial for my business but also for strengthening our community and upholding the Penn State motto of ‘We Are.’ It’s a way to give back, support current students and continue fostering the legacy of Penn State pride.”

The ceremony will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend the in-person event.

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