It’s not often that smaller schools within the University of Pennsylvania land big-name commencement speakers. It’s even more rare that someone’s parent serves as the guest speaker at graduation exercises. But, this year, one graduate’s proud dad will speak at the School of Social Policy & Practice’s Commencement on May 17 in the Irvine Auditorium.

Joseph R. Biden, Jr., the 47th Vice President of the United States, is the father of Ashley Biden, who will be conferred with her master’s of social work (M.S.W.) degree. Ashley specialized in macro social work, with an interest in juvenile justice, poverty and education.            

“Vice President Biden has long supported policy and legislation aimed at social change,” says Social Policy & Practice Dean Richard J. Gelles. “We are pleased that he has accepted our invitation to be the Commencement speaker at the graduation exercises.”

Biden, a Pennsylvania native, was one of the youngest people ever elected to the U.S. Senate and is widely recognized for his work on social justice issues, including the landmark 1994 Crime Bill and the Violence Against Women Act.