College Announces 2011 Graduation Speakers
Rendell served as governor of Pennsylvania from 2003 until 2011. Under his administration, funding for education was increased and a prescription drug plan for seniors was adopted. He served as chair of the National Governors Association from 2008 to 2009. Since 2009 he has taught a course on campaigns and elections at the School's Fels Institute of Government.
Rendell earned his bachelor's degree from Penn in 1965—where he was also a member of the fraternity Pi Lambda Phi—and a law degree from Villanova University School of Law in 1968. He was elected District Attorney of Philadelphia in 1977 and served two terms. In 1991 he won the bid for mayor of Philadelphia and during his term balanced the city budget amidst a large deficit. Rendell went on to serve as general chair of the Democratic National Committee from 1999 to 2001.
Yellin, who is from Manalapan, New Jersey, is a Biological Basis of Behavior major and is co-founder and president of Penn's chapter of Nu Rho Psi, the national neuroscience honor society. He served as internal vice president of the Kite and Key Society and co-chair of Penn Hillel's Conservative Jewish Community. In addition, he is a member of Penn Club Gymnastics and is a national qualifier in floor, vault and pommel horse.
After graduation, Yellin plans to attend medical school and is considering a specialty in neurosurgery.
