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Jay Sidhu to deliver Alvernia University commencement speech
Sidhu serves as executive chairman of Customers Bancorp and has led major banking expansions in the United States.
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 14, Mar 2026
- 12:37 EDT
- 14
Jay Sidhu / LinkedIn/ Jay Sidhu
Indian American banking executive Jay Sidhu will deliver the keynote address at Pennsylvania-based Alvernia University’s 2026 commencement ceremony.
Sidhu, executive chairman of Customers Bancorp, Inc. and Customers Bank, will speak at the ceremony scheduled for May 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Santander Arena in downtown Reading.
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“Jay Sidhu’s remarkable journey and bold leadership embody the resilience, humility and purpose we strive to instill in every Alvernia graduate,” said Alvernia president Glynis A. Fitzgerald. “His message will inspire the Class of 2026 to lead with integrity, pursue lifelong growth and use their talents to make a meaningful difference in the world.
“I’m honored to join Alvernia for Commencement and celebrate students who have worked hard to achieve an important milestone,” Sidhu said. “I look forward to sharing lessons about resilience, authentic leadership and the responsibility we all have to lift others as we pursue success.”
Throughout his careerSidhu has led financial institutions through periods of growth and transformation. Having joined Customers Bank in 2009, when it was then known as New Century Bank with approximately $250 million in assets, he has helped build the institution into a bank with more than $21 billion in assets serving businesses, professionals and families.
Prior to that, Sidhu served as chairman and chief executive officer of Sovereign Bancorp, Inc. and Sovereign Bank from 1989 to 2006. During that period, the organization grew from a $12 million initial public offering to become the 17th largest banking institution in the United States, with a market capitalization approaching $12 billion.
Sidhu is also the author of Never Ever, Ever Give Up and frequently speaks on leadership and emotional intelligence, including appearances at the United States Military Academy at West Point and global leadership forums.
His association with Alvernia includes addressing incoming students during fall 2025, when he encouraged the Class of 2029 to “dream big, stay true” and to “never ever, ever give up.”
Born in India’s Punjab state, Sidhu immigrated to the United States in 1971. He earned an MBA from Wilkes University and later completed a leadership program at Harvard Business School.
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