George S. Rice, Jr. ’85 to receive honorary degree
Longtime public service executive and global engagement leader George S. Rice, Jr. ’85 will focus on his extensive career and experiences to inspire the Class of 2024 at Alvernia University’s Commencement Ceremony, on Saturday, May 11, at Santander Arena. He will also receive an Honorary Degree of Humane Letters.
“George is among the finest examples of our alumni living the Alvernia mission," said Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “We are honored to have George join us to inspire our graduating students as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. He is very deserving of an honorary degree for his outstanding service to the university, and the world at large.”
Rice’s connections with Alvernia run deep. After graduating from Alvernia University’s Criminal Justice program in 1985, Rice earned Alvernia’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013 and has served on the Alvernia University Board of Trustees. In 2010, he established the George S. Rice, Sr. Scholarship Fund in honor of his father, to support the continued learning of returning sophomores at Alvernia during this critical phase of their academic lives.
“I am deeply moved to have been asked to offer this year’s commencement address at my alma mater, and indeed to receive an honorary doctorate from an institution to which I owe so much,” said Rice. “The University has launched a great many notable careers over the decades. I am but one among many, all worthy of recognition. This year’s graduates will no doubt continue that tradition of lives and careers rooted in service, humility, peacemaking and contemplation.”
Alvernia’s Commencement Weekend 2024 includes the Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Occupational Therapy Pinning Ceremony, Senior Athlete Award Reception and Honors Convocation that will take place on Friday, May 10.
A Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2024 will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 11. More information regarding Alvernia University’s commencement ceremonies can be found here. See below for more information on Rice.
About Rice
An experienced senior executive and a natural at connecting people and organizations while building beneficial strategies, George is recognized as a global authority on generating insights, actions and planning capabilities for companies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and government agencies.
His expertise includes public policy, community outreach, public and media relations, legislative advocacy, economic development, and international relations. George has planned, managed and directed local, state, regional, national and international public policy and public service efforts; designed and implemented organizational development strategies; researched and authored/co-authored publications and articles; and has developed and conducted workshops, webinars, presentations and lectures including television, radio and podcast appearances.
Since moving on from a career in federal law enforcement, more than two-thirds of George’s career has involved work in a range of policy and public service arenas, including advocacy groups, foundations, professional and trade associations, and as a consultant. He has served on boards and advisory groups for non-governmental organizations and private enterprises, and as a university trustee.
George is also a former feature writer for the since discontinued digital magazine, horizonmag.com and has authored two works of fiction that take the reader into the worlds of espionage and intrigue – one of which is under development as a stage production with the Plowshares Theatre Company in Detroit, Michigan.
George holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Alvernia University in Reading, Pa. USA and a CPM in Public Management from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
