Wilkes University alumnus and Pennsylvania State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski will deliver the address when the University holds its summer commencement on Sunday, Sept. 7.
Pashinki, a Democrat who represents the 121st District, will help celebrate the achievements of Wilkes’ 2014 summer graduates at the commencement ceremony in the Henry Gymnasium at the Arnaud C. Marts Sports and Conference Center. The center will open for seating at 11:30 a.m. The ceremony starts at 1 p.m.
Pashinski is a member of the Wilkes class of 1967, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in music education. Prior to entering politics, Pashinski taught music and directed chorus at Greater Nanticoke Area High School. During his teaching career, he served as chief spokesperson, vice president and president of the GNA Education Association, the district’s teacher’s union. Pashinski has also been a volunteer for the United Way since 1982 and a member of the United Way board since 2002.
After retiring from teaching, he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006, and is now serving his second term. He serves on the House aging and older adult services, gaming oversight, insurance and health and human services committees. He serves as subcommittee chairman on the drugs and alcohol subcommittee of the health and human services committee. Pashinski also serves as a House deputy whip and is a board member of the Governor’s Pennsylvania Health Information Exchange.