Thousands of friends, family, faculty, and staff packed into the DCU Center in Worcester on Sunday, May 20^th, to celebrate the Framingham State University Class of 2018.

“As a result of their hard work, all of our graduates this morning have deepened their knowledge, strengthened their analytical and communication skills, demonstrated their commitment to lifelong learning, and taken an important step in separating themselves from the field in an increasingly competitive job market,” Framingham State President F. Javier Cevallos told the audience during his welcoming remarks.  

Dr. Yvonne Spicer, who made history last year when she was elected the first Mayor of the newly-formed City of Framingham, urged the students to take advantage of their position as college graduates and “sound the alarm” on injustice.

“You must take your place in the world as a change agent,” said Spicer, who is the first African American woman to be popularly-elected mayor in the history of Massachusetts. “Choose diverse experiences. Be courageous. Step out of your comfort zone.”

The University presented Spicer with an honorary Doctor of Public Service Degree during the ceremony.

Framingham State presented the University’s President’s Medal to Nancy and Janina Swiacki in honor of their support and dedication to the FSU community. The sisters are longtime supporters of the FSU Children’s Literature Festival, which has been renamed in their honor, and were also the visionaries and primary supporters of the Ram Statue that has been erected in Crocker Grove.

“During my time at Framingham State, I have been inspired by Janina and Nancy’s commitment to civic engagement, both at FSU and within their local communities,” said President Cevallos.

FSU also honored four faculty members with Distinguished Faculty Awards: Dr. Amanda Simons (teaching), Dr. Xavier Guadalupe-Diaz (scholarship), Dr. Kelly Matthews (advising), and Dr. Elaine Beilin (professional service). 

During the afternoon graduate ceremony, Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Carlos Santiago addresses the master’s degree recipients, telling them that they are the key to the success of the state’s education economy.

“You have taken the first steps toward lifelong learning,” said Santiago, who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from the University following his speech. “Massachusetts needs you. Our future relies on your expertise; on your innovation.”