Nehemiah CEO Scott Syphax To Deliver Commencement Address at Drexel University in Sacramento

Scott Syphax, the President and CEO of Nehemiah Corporation of America, will deliver the keynote address at Drexel University’s third commencement in Sacramento on Saturday, June 22 at the Crocker Art Museum.

Syphax will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and join about 100 graduating students at the Drexel University Sacramento ceremony at 7 p.m. Drexel Provost Dr. Mark Greenberg will award the degrees at the scenic courtyard location at the Crocker.

Several Sacramento graduates also traveled to Philadelphia last week to participate in Drexel’s 126th Commencement ceremonies at Drexel’s University City Campus.

Syphax, who serves on the Drexel Board of Advisors, lives in Elk Grove and graduated from California State University, Sacramento.

“Scott is one of the region’s great leaders in business and is recognized nationally for his distinguished record of accomplishment,” said Dr. Sandra Kirschenmann, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director for Drexel University Sacramento. “He has been a valuable partner with Drexel and has served as a wonderful mentor to many of our students. We are very pleased to have someone of Scott’s stature address our students, faculty, alumni and guests at such a memorable occasion, and even happier to present him with the honorary degree of “Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.”

Syphax has been instrumental in the growth of the Nehemiah social enterprise, one of the largest not-for-profit community development corporations in the country. He created the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program, which aims to develop leaders of diversity who can become catalysts for change in their workplace and community.

“This is a privilege to receive an honorary degree and address this year’s graduating class at Drexel University Sacramento. They are a bright and talented group,” Syphax said. “Drexel provides its students with the understanding, encouragement, and connections that they need to get involved in the community and to step into leadership roles. The University offers an innovative brand of higher education at a time when California needs such creativity.”

“Drexel’s partnership with Nehemiah on the creation and launch of the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders program has been critical to its success in growing the size and diversity of the class in the greater Sacramento community,” added Syphax.

All of Drexel’s academic programs are focused at the heart of Greater Sacramento’s growth and economic development initiatives – health, entrepreneurial business, human resources and education.

Drexel – a top-ranked, national comprehensive university – currently offers students seven master's, one doctorate and one post-baccalaureate program designed for working professionals in the fields of entrepreneurial business, human resource development, higher education and health care.

In September 2013, Drexel will launch its first full-time undergraduate program in business for students who have finished at least the first two years of their undergraduate education.

For more information about Drexel University Sacramento’s programs in California, visit www.drexel.edu/sacramento or call (888) 389-3781 or (916) 325-4600.