Rajiv Vinnakota — a pioneering social entrepreneur and president of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, as well as leader of the institute’s College Presidents for Civic Preparedness coalition — will deliver the keynote address at the Muhlenberg College’s commencement ceremony, Sunday, May 17, at 10 a.m. at the PPL Center in Allentown.
Vinnakota, a national leader in civic engagement and renewal, will be awarded an honorary degree alongside two other distinguished leaders: Kassie Hilgert, president and CEO of ArtsQuest, and Zachary Mannheimer ’99, founder and board chair of Alquist 3D.
“We are honored to welcome these three visionaries to the Muhlenberg community,” said Muhlenberg President Kathleen Harring, Ph.D. “Their collective work in civic preparedness, regional economic revitalization through the arts, and innovative solutions to the national housing crisis embodies the liberal arts spirit of leadership and service. We look forward to the inspiration they will provide our Class of 2026.”
About the Honorees
Rajiv Vinnakota has dedicated his life to strengthening civic life in America by sparking young people to create bold, fresh solutions to civic problems – a charge that continues in his role as president of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars.
A graduate of Princeton University, he co-founded the nation’s first network of public, college-preparatory boarding schools (the SEED Foundation), and previously served as Executive Vice-President of the Aspen Institute. He is a frequent contributor to national media outlets including NPR, The Hill, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. His work continues to focus on building “civic learning ecosystems” to empower Gen Z and future generations.
Kassie Hilgert is the president and chief executive officer of ArtsQuest, one of Pennsylvania’s largest nonprofit arts organizations. Under her leadership, ArtsQuest presents more than 4,000 annual programs — nearly a third of which are free to the public — and serves as a primary engine for regional economic development. Hilgert is currently spearheading the $78 million “Re-Imagine That!” capital campaign to expand the organization’s footprint. A graduate of Penn State University, she is a fixture in Lehigh Valley leadership, serving on boards for the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and Discover Lehigh Valley.
A Muhlenberg alumnus who double-majored in theatre and philosophy, Zachary Mannheimer ’99 is the founder and board chair of Alquist 3D. His company gained national acclaim for printing the first owner-occupied 3D-printed home in America, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Before revolutionizing the construction industry, Mannheimer founded the Des Moines Social Club and Atlas Community Studios, focusing on creative placemaking and affordable housing. Reflecting on his journey from the stage to 3D printing, Mannheimer credits his Muhlenberg education for his adaptability:
“If you had asked me when I graduated Muhlenberg if I would be 3D printing housing in rural Colorado, I would’ve said, ‘You’re crazy.’ Doing a major like theatre, especially at a small school like Muhlenberg, prepares you for every possible outcome life can throw at you.”
