May 10, 2010

IMMACULATA, PA. - Saint Joseph's basketball coach Phil Martelli will serve as the main Commencement speaker at Immaculata University on May 16, and will receive an honorary doctorate degree from the University. This marks the largest graduating class in the University's history, with 865 graduates.

This will be the third time that Martelli has been the main speaker at a Commencement, and his third honorary degree. The coach previously received the honors in 2006 from Cabrini College, and in 2004 from his alma mater, Widener University.

Immaculata will confer the doctorate of humane letters degree upon Martelli, citing his "extraordinary community work as a coach and leader, and providing graduating students a model of true Catholic service, leadership, and social responsibility."

Martelli finished his 15th season as the Hawks' head coach and owns a 289-187 record. He has guided SJU to nine post-season appearances during his tenure and two Atlantic 10 titles.

Martelli is very active in the community and is the co-chair of the Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer group, which has become one of the nation's top fundraising groups for the American Cancer Society. Over the past few years, he has been honored by the March of Dimes, the National Adoption Center and the Philadelphia Archdiocese CYO for his service.

Martelli's wife, Judy, is a graduate of Immaculata and was a member of the school's legendary basketball teams of the 1970s.

The Commencement will be held at the Valley Forge Convention Center at 1 p.m.