Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and vice president of community affairs for Independence Blue Cross, delivered commencement addresses for Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) and Ursinus College on May 4 and May 11, respectively. Ursinus College also bestowed Rev. Dr. Marshall-Blake with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.
The themes of the commencement ceremonies, the importance of civic engagement for CCP and the intersection of health and wellness for Ursinus College, are significantly important to Marshall-Blake, who has dedicated herself professionally and personally to serving her community.
At CCP, she shared these words with more than 1,600 graduating students: “True fulfillment comes not from what we acquire for ourselves, but from what we give back to others. Embrace that power, embrace your community, and together, let us strive towards a brighter, more inclusive future.”
With more than 350 graduates in attendance at Ursinus College, Marshall-Blake shared: “Academic and professional achievements and holistic wellness are equally important. I want you to feel empowered, not ashamed, to prioritize self-care, stress management and seeking out support. It is not a sign of weakness but rather of strength and self-awareness.”
