Neumann University will present an honorary doctor of humane letters degree to John R. McConnell, founder and president emeritus of Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School, at its May 14 Commencement Exercises.

McConnell will also address the class of 2022 in a 1 p.m. ceremony at the university’s Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development.

After 27 years with Deloitte Consulting, McConnell retired from the firm in 2008 to launch the innovative college-preparatory school that was formed from a unique partnership of local educators, businesses, and universities.

Cristo Rey is designed and operated exclusively for students who could not otherwise afford a private education. The Cristo Rey curriculum combines rigorous academics with work internships in businesses where college-educated professionals mentor the students. The work-study program accelerates the students’ development, and the wages they earn help pay for the cost of their education.

McConnell has served on several non-profit boards in Philadelphia, including Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Philadelphia, the Rosemont School of the Holy Child, and St. Joseph’s Prep, where he served as chairman of the board from 2008-2011.

He is a graduate of Georgetown University (Business Administration, 1974) and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (MBA, 1982).

Watch the graduation ceremony at www.neumann.edu/live.