Alumni
GMercyU Three-Time Alum to Serve as Graduate Ceremony Commencement Speaker
Renato M. Lajara, EdD ’02 ’08 ’17 is a three-time graduate of GMercyU and will serve as the Commencement Speaker for the 2026 Graduate Ceremony.
Dr. Lajara earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in 2002, his Master’s in Education in 2008, and his Doctorate in Education in 2017. During his undergraduate career at GMercyU, he played baseball, sang with the Voices of Gwynedd, and served as a member of Best Buddies.
Today, Dr. Lajara is the Assistant Superintendent for Network 8, overseeing 15 schools and more than 8,000 students in North Philadelphia. A proud product of the Philadelphia School District, Dr. Lajara’s career is defined by a profound commitment to equity and the firm belief that education is the primary catalyst for upward mobility. Originally from the Dominican Republic, his personal journey as an English Language Learner fuels his passion for supporting underrepresented populations and ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to a premier education.
After beginning his career in the classroom, Dr. Lajara transitioned into school leadership, where he became known for his ability to transform school cultures and drive academic growth. His tenure as a school leader was marked by a specialized focus on turning around underperforming institutions, replacing challenging state designations with environments centered on safety, high-quality instruction, and student success. By fostering climates where both staff and students feel inspired to excel, he has consistently demonstrated that strong leadership is the foundation of school improvement.
Dr. Lajara’s leadership philosophy is built on the integration of equitable instructional practices and deep community advocacy. Leveraging his roots in Philadelphia to bridge the gap between schools and the families they serve, he continues to advocate for systemic excellence across North Philadelphia. Dr. Lajara remains dedicated to the vision that with the right support and high expectations, every child can achieve their full potential.
Today, Dr. Lajara is the Assistant Superintendent for Network 8, overseeing 15 schools and more than 8,000 students in North Philadelphia. A proud product of the Philadelphia School District, Dr. Lajara’s career is defined by a profound commitment to equity and the firm belief that education is the primary catalyst for upward mobility. Originally from the Dominican Republic, his personal journey as an English Language Learner fuels his passion for supporting underrepresented populations and ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to a premier education.
After beginning his career in the classroom, Dr. Lajara transitioned into school leadership, where he became known for his ability to transform school cultures and drive academic growth. His tenure as a school leader was marked by a specialized focus on turning around underperforming institutions, replacing challenging state designations with environments centered on safety, high-quality instruction, and student success. By fostering climates where both staff and students feel inspired to excel, he has consistently demonstrated that strong leadership is the foundation of school improvement.
Dr. Lajara’s leadership philosophy is built on the integration of equitable instructional practices and deep community advocacy. Leveraging his roots in Philadelphia to bridge the gap between schools and the families they serve, he continues to advocate for systemic excellence across North Philadelphia. Dr. Lajara remains dedicated to the vision that with the right support and high expectations, every child can achieve their full potential.