Ending its educational legacy on a high note, Cabrini University has tapped graduate Kylie Kelce — also known for being the spouse of Philadelphia Eagles' icon Jason Kelce — to address the undergraduate crowd at its final commencement ceremony on May 19, as reported by FOX 29. A standout field hockey player during her time at the institution, Kelce has since emerged as a vocal advocate for girls and women in sports.
Doing double duty, the commencement stage will also be graced by Dr. Rachel Slaughter, another Cabrini alum, who'll be dispensing pearls of wisdom to the soon-to-be graduate degree holders. Described by the school as a passionate educator and author, Slaughter has left her imprint on literacy efforts worldwide. Slaughter, according to CBS News, is noted for her work at the Literacy University, a beacon of support for literacy tutoring and father-son reading workshops, and her international speaking engagements on global literacy issues.
The poignant farewells come in the wake of Cabrini University's unexpected closure announcement. Despite its rich academic and communal contributions, the institution is bowing out due to years of financial struggles, leaving behind multimillion-dollar budget deficits. These developments were detailed in reports by CBS News, which confirmed that Villanova University, another catholic educational mainstay in the vicinity, is poised to absorb Cabrini's assets including the campus real estate.
Kylie Kelce isn't just a ceremonial pick; her heart beats in sync with her community commitments. Citing her work with the Eagles Autism Foundation, Cabrini highlighted her fundraising prowess, which has notched over $380,000 at one notable Sea Isle bar event for autism research. And her solo efforts auctioning off memorabilia added a cool $100,000 to that tally, as per The Inquirer. Kelce's also been collaborating with Dove, using digital tools in partnership with Nike to help coaches foster body positivity among young female athletes, in what's being branded as the Body Confident Sport program.
Meanwhile, Dr. Slaughter, apart from running Literacy University has been touting the importance of multicultural literature through her textbook, "Turning the Page: The Ultimate Guide for Teachers to Multicultural Literature," rubbing elbows with her journalism background as a former reporter for The Inquirer. This multifaceted involvement of the commencement speakers epitomizes Cabrini's vision of empowering its graduates to become transformational leaders, a swan song for the institution's storied history and ideals.
