La Salle University is preparing to celebrate a major milestone for the Class of 2025. On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the University will host its annual commencement ceremonies, honoring the hard work and accomplishments of its graduating students. With two formal ceremonies scheduled—one for undergraduates at 10 a.m. and another for graduate and doctoral students at 4 p.m.—the campus will come alive with pride, applause, and heartfelt moments as more than 1,000 graduates take the next step in their journeys.
Both ceremonies will take place at McCarthy Stadium on La Salle’s campus, where families, friends, and the broader university community will gather to recognize the achievements of 528 undergraduate students and 561 graduate and doctoral candidates.
Honoring a Lifetime of Service: Bishop Joseph L. Coffey
During the undergraduate ceremony, Bishop Joseph L. Coffey, ’82, will be awarded an honorary degree in recognition of his decades of faith-filled service. A proud La Salle alumnus who majored in English and French and studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, Coffey’s journey has taken him from Philadelphia to places around the globe as a spiritual guide to military personnel.
Ordained in 1996 and joining the U.S. Navy as a full-time chaplain in 2001, Bishop Coffey has served on aircraft carriers and military bases worldwide. In 2019, Pope Francis appointed him auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of the Military Services, making him a key spiritual figure for military families. His work reflects the values of global service and compassion—values deeply rooted in La Salle’s mission.
Student Voice: Alexis Sanchez to Deliver Undergraduate Address
Alexis Maria Sanchez, ’25, will take the stage to deliver the undergraduate student address. A first-generation college student, Sanchez double majored in marketing and finance and served as the La Salle Explorer mascot during her time at the university. Her story—rising from Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood to become a leader, mentor, and symbol of school pride—has touched many across campus.
Her speech is expected to inspire her peers by highlighting the power of perseverance, service, and saying “yes” to opportunities, both big and small. For Sanchez, this moment is not just about personal success—it’s about representing every student who came from challenging beginnings and proving that dreams are within reach.
A Heart for Service: Sister Isabella “Bella” Davila to Speak at Graduate Ceremony
The graduate ceremony will feature Sister Isabella “Bella” Davila, DC, MSW ’25, as the student speaker. A Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Sister Bella has dedicated her life to working with vulnerable populations, including those facing homelessness, poverty, and mental health issues.
Through her work as a behavioral health coordinator at Face to Face Germantown, she has made a lasting impact by offering trauma-informed counseling and advocacy. After earning her Master of Social Work degree, Sister Bella will continue her mission-driven work with DePaul USA in Georgia, serving communities in need. Her story highlights La Salle’s deep commitment to social justice, service, and compassionate care.
As La Salle prepares to celebrate the Class of 2025, the day promises to be a joyful tribute to the hard work, sacrifices, and hopes of students, families, faculty, and alumni. With inspiring speakers like Bishop Coffey, Alexis Sanchez, and Sister Bella Davila, the ceremonies will not only recognize academic achievement but also celebrate the heart, spirit, and service that define a La Salle education.
From first-generation students to lifelong public servants, La Salle’s 2025 graduates embody a shared commitment to leadership, community, and meaningful impact. May 10 will be more than just a graduation day—it will be a celebration of purpose, promise, and the people who make La Salle University a place where dreams take shape.
