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Danene Sorace is the 43rd mayor of the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She has served as the city鈥檚 mayor since her election in 2018, winning re-election in 2021. She is only the second woman to serve as Lancaster鈥檚 mayor and brings a background as a nonprofit leader, environmental advocate, and former Lancaster City Council member, where she chaired the Finance Committee.

As mayor, she has set forth a vision of building a stronger, more equitable Lancaster block by block. Mayor Sorace鈥檚 administration is focused on four strategic priorities: strong neighborhoods, safe places, a sustainable economy, and sound government. Key accomplishments include launching the Department of Neighborhood Engagement to elevate neighborhoods and empower residents, securing record grant funding to remediate lead in homes and promote safe streets, achieving the Welcoming City designation, and making historic investments in affordable housing.

Mayor Sorace is a leader beyond Lancaster, serving as past president of the Pennsylvania Municipal League and as Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Water Council. She has received the Governor鈥檚 Award for Local Government Excellence twice, most recently in April 2025 for her work leading the city鈥檚 adoption of a Home Rule Charter. She also completed the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and was featured in Politico鈥檚 Mayors Club series.

Mayor Sorace and Franklin & Marshall President Barbara Altmann have enjoyed a close professional relationship and personal friendship over the last seven years. The mayor credits F&M as a key partner in the city鈥檚 ongoing vitality and efforts to nurture community engagement. Mayor Sorace earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree from Albright College and her master鈥檚 degree in public policy from Rutgers University. She is married to Christian and, together with daughter Aurelia, enjoys hiking, travel and dining out in Lancaster鈥檚 many fabulous restaurants.

Danene Sorace, for your courageous commitment to a stronger, more equitable Lancaster City; for your inclusive leadership both in Lancaster and in state and national organizations; and for your partnership with F&M President Barbara Altmann in nurturing community engagement across the city and on campus, Franklin & Marshall College bestows upon you the Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.

Danene Sorace, Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters. Photo Credit: City of Lancaster, PA

Mayor Sorace and Franklin & Marshall President Barbara Altmann have enjoyed a close professional relationship and personal friendship over the last seven years.

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