Interfaith Leader and Educator Eboo Patel to Address North Central College’s 2024 Graduating Class

Nationally renowned author, speaker, educator, and interfaith leader Eboo Patel, Ph.D., will address the graduating class at North Central College’s 159th Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 5. Patel is founder and president of Interfaith America, a national non-profit based in Chicago that was formed around the idea that faith should serve as a bridge of cooperation, rather than a barrier of division. Named “one of America’s best leaders” by U.S. News & World Report, Patel has worked with universities, governments, private corporations, and civic organizations to help them unlock the power and potential of America’s religious diversity.

In addition to delivering the Commencement address, Patel will be awarded an honorary degree from North Central College in recognition of his exemplary service to the community.

“Growing up in Glen Ellyn, I have long known about the important role that North Central College plays in the lives of students and in the broader region,” said Patel. “I am proud to be giving the Commencement address and receiving an honorary degree from this fine institution.”

Patel is the author of five books, including "We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy," published in 2022. He is an Ashoka Fellow and served as a member of President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Faith Council. He earned an undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, and studied at Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship, where he earned a doctorate degree in the sociology of religion. Patel resides in Chicago with his wife and their two children.

“Eboo Patel is an inspiring leader whose words will resonate deeply with our graduates as they launch into this next phase of their lives,” said North Central College President Dr. Anita Thomas. “North Central is a religiously affiliated institution that values diversity, inclusiveness, curiosity and life-long learning, all of which are values that Dr. Patel has embodied throughout his mission-driven career, helping build interfaith partnerships as a way to take on important societal issues.”

Information about North Central College’s 2024 Commencement is available at northcentralcollege.edu/commencement. The processional begins at 12:40 p.m. with Commencement Ceremony starting at 1 p.m. The ceremony is expected to draw more than 5,000 family members, friends, and alumni to North Central College’s Residence Hall/Recreation Center. Tickets are not required but seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.