By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted December 16, 2024

Neumann University will present an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to J. Eustace Wolfington, executive producer of the film “Cabrini,” on Dec. 18 during a winter graduation ceremony for approximately 200 students.

Pending the results of final exams, the university will award three associate degrees, 136 bachelor’s degrees, 57 master’s degrees, and two doctoral degrees at the  ceremony.

It will be officiated by Dr. Chris Domes, university president, and Board Chair Anthony Latini in the Mirenda Center.

Wolfington is a pioneer in the automobile retail leasing business. After owning a successful Chevrolet dealership in West Philadelphia, he founded Half-A-Car, an automotive consulting firmthat revolutionized the retail car industry through leasing. Over the next 40 years the concept was adopted by more than 4,000 dealerships worldwide.

More recently, he has committed his talent and resources to the production of movies with a moral message. The most significant of these films is “Cabrini.”

The film tells the powerful story of Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, an Italian religious sister who immigrates to New York City in 1889 and discovers  disease, crime, and impoverished children. Despite her poor health, she employs political savvy and determination to fight for the equality, health, and happiness of immigrant orphans.

Canonized in 1946, she is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of immigrants.

Wolfington is a devotee of St. Frances Cabrini and believes that her legacy — using her considerable talent and energy in the service of others — is a lesson worth learning for today’s generations and those of the future.

Neumann University hosted an early screening of “Cabrini” as part of the 2024 Neumann Inspires Film Festival in April. Wolfington was a panelist in a post-screening discussion of the film with an audience that filled the 300-seat Meagher Theatre on campus.

“Throughout his career, Eustace has made his mark as a global entrepreneur, innovative business leader, and generous philanthropist,” said Domes. “For his entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to Catholic education and dedication to Mother Cabrini, Neumann University is proud to award him the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.”