Commencement Speaker Announced

In consultation with the senior class officers and sponsors, Eugene McDermott Headmaster David Dini announced the selection of Dr. Michael Sorrell as the Commencement Speaker for the Class of 2018.

Dr. Sorrell is the longest serving President of Paul Quinn College and one of the most widely recognized education administrators in the United States for his innovative approach to using higher education to address some of society's most pressing problems. Dr. Sorrell’s leadership in pioneering a new urban college model transformed PQC into the country’s only urban Work College. During Dr. Sorrell’s tenure, the college converted its football field into the We Over Me Farm, which aims to improve the health and well-being of under-resourced communities in southern Dallas by providing fresh, healthy, affordable food options.

A native of Chicago and graduate of St. Ignatius College Prep, Dr. Sorrell earned his undergraduate degree in government from Oberlin College where he was a standout basketball player. He went on to earn a master’s degree in public policy and a Juris Doctor from Duke University, as well as a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Sorrell and his wife Natalie are parents of a second-grade Marksman. 

Earlier this year, Dr. Sorrell delivered a Chapel talk to Upper School students. The ReMarker student newspaper noted: “His powerful speech, centering on giving back to those who are less fortunate than ourselves, truly struck the hearts of everyone, providing us with a viewpoint from someone who has seen a different side of life than the bubble that many of us live in today in our communities.”

Dr. Sorrell will deliver the Commencement address on Friday, May 25, 2018.