Dr. Cherie Crosby-Weeks Named 2026 Founders Day Speaker

The 2026 Founders Day ceremony takes place on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Manor College Professor Dr. Cherie Crosby-Weeks will serve as the Speaker for the 22nd Annual Founders Day Ceremony on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Dr. Crosby-Weeks serves as the Chair of the Behavioral Sciences and Education Unit, is a Professor of Early Childhood Education and is the program director for the Early Childhood, Child Development and Child Care Administration programs.

“I am deeply honored,” Dr. Crosby-Weeks said. “Since day one of my arrival at Manor, I have believed in and lived its mission, and I have most certainly helped others understand the importance of altruism.”

Dr. Crosby-Weeks began serving at Manor College in 2011 as the Program Director of the Early Childhood Program. Her path as an educator started in high school when she believed she could commit her life to educating and supporting others. She cites her Sixth Grade teacher and a pair of Family Childcare providers for driving her educational spirit.

“All three taught me lessons about relationship building when supporting others,” Dr. Crosby-Weeks said. “I love teaching and will forever. There is no better gift in life than being a part of someone’s educational journey.”

During her tenure at Manor College, Dr. Crosby-Weeks has received numerous honors. She is the first person to receive the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award at Manor College on two occasions, in January 2014 and in January 2025. She earned the Faculty Trustee Award in May of 2013 and the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award in May 2016.

She is a published author, including most recently “Pathways to Leadership in Early Childhood Education: A Practical Guide for Aspiring and Current Educators,” which was published in September 2025. Dr. Crosby-Weeks also serves on the boards for the Maternity Care Coalition, First Up and the Parkinson Council.

Dr. Crosby-Weeks is an advocate for volunteerism. In addition to numerous on-campus events, she serves on the Unhoused Committee with the Transforming Lives and Communities for the People, a non-profit organization that provides services for the community based in Plymouth Meeting.

“I hope that people who listen to my speech are inspired to make continuous changes in the local community through volunteering in and outside of Manor,” Dr. Crosby-Weeks said. “Many non-profit organizations cannot run without year-round support from volunteers. I hope that people will be inspired to lift others as they climb through life and see the true humanity in everyone they meet.”

Manor College’s Founder’s Day celebrates the Sisters of Saint Basil the Great, who founded Manor College in 1947. The larger celebration includes a ceremony, prayer service and accompanying reception. During the ceremony, Manor College awards the Educator of the Year and the Mother Josaphat Medal, the highest honor a student can receive while attending Manor College.

To listen to Dr. Cherie Crosby-Weeks’ keynote speech, attend Manor College’s 22nd Annual Founders Day on Thursday, January 29, 2026 in Manor College’s Gym.