Rorke-Adams, Shreiber to receive honorary degrees, Spurlin to accept alumnus award at Commencement

Rowan University will honor three individuals for their exemplary contributions to their respective fields during the University’s Commencement Ceremony and Celebration on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. at Richard Wackar Stadium.

Two individuals—pioneering pediatric neuropathologist Dr. Lucy Rorke-Adams and gifted entrepreneur and philanthropist Gerald B. Shreiber—will accept honorary doctorates, while alumnus Dr. William Spurlin will receive the 2023 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award.

Rorke-Adams, 93, who also will be the Commencement speaker, dedicated her remarkable, 58-year career to advancing science to improve the lives of children.

World renowned for her expertise on pediatric brain tumors and shaken baby syndrome, Rorke-Adams spent five decades at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she served as acting chair of pathology.

She will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Rowan.

Chairman of the board of J&J Snack Foods Corp., Shreiber bought a bankrupt soft pretzel company and turned it into one of the consummate niche players in the snack food and beverage industry with leading brands that include SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, LUIGI’S and Minute Maid.

A longtime Rowan supporter and a staunch animal welfare advocate, Shreiber on April 28 pledged $30 million to the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, the state’s first veterinary school. Shreiber’s $3 million gift to the University in 2019 established the Shreiber Pet Therapy Program, which brings certified therapy animals to campus.

Shreiber will receive an honorary Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

A celebrated educator and prolific author, Spurlin earned his bachelor’s degree in English from the University (then Glassboro State College) in 1976.

Spurlin, who also earned four degrees from Columbia University, is an emeritus professor at Brunel University London.

In a 45-year career in academia, Spurlin, the author of eight books, has received national and international acclaim for teaching innovation and scholarship and is known globally for his expertise in 20^th and 21^st century comparative literature; gender and sexuality studies; and Holocaust studies.

In addition to the University-wide Commencement and Celebration on May 6, Rowan will host 13 ceremonies for individual schools and colleges during Commencement Week, which runs Monday, May 8-Thursday, May 11. Ceremonies will be held on the University Green.

For information Rowan’s Commencement celebration, visit the Commencement website.