WYOMISSING, Pa. — A new class of more than 100 Penn State Berks students will receive their baccalaureate and associate degrees and practical nursing certificates at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Santander Arena in downtown Reading, when Berks hosts its fall 2025 commencement ceremony. Patrick J. Dolan, president of Dolan Construction Inc. and chair of the Penn State Berks Advisory Board, will deliver the keynote address.
Dolan is a long-standing leader in the regional construction industry based in Berks County. As a licensed architect and seasoned executive, he blends technical expertise with a deep commitment to integrity, teamwork and community growth — values that have guided Dolan Construction for nearly five decades.
A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture, Dolan began his professional career with Gensler, one of the world’s leading architecture and design firms. During his tenure in Gensler’s Washington, D.C., and Denver, Colorado, offices, he contributed to a wide range of projects.
Under his leadership, Dolan Construction delivers projects that enrich the region — from health care and education to commercial and industrial facilities — while maintaining a steadfast focus on quality, partnership and craftsmanship.
Dolan holds architectural licenses in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Colorado. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. He also is a LEED accredited professional, a Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) and a nationally certified disaster responder through the American Institute of Architects.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dolan is deeply engaged in community service and leadership. In addition to serving as chair of the Penn State Berks Advisory Board, he is treasurer of Berks Encore, and a board member of Maddie’s Miracles of Berks County. He also serves on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s UCC Accessibility Advisory Board, helping advance standards for accessibility and inclusion across the commonwealth.
Dolan’s dedication to community partnership has been recognized with several honors, including the Big Brothers Big Sisters Community Partner of the Year Award and the Berks Encore Leadership by Example Award.