Thousands of family members and friends gathered at the DCU Center on Sunday, May 22^nd, to celebrate Framingham State University's Class of 2022. 

It was FSU's first in-person ceremony since 2019. Senior Class President Samantha Collette spoke about the toll the pandemic took on the class, and how something that initially forced them apart actually wound up bringing them closer together in the end.

"All of the people I had missed out on due to COVID tearing us apart became the most important people in my life," she said.

A total of 710 undergraduate and 472 graduate degrees were conferred during the ceremony. It was the final commencement for Framingham State University President F. Javier Cevallos, who is set to retire.

"It has truly been an honor serving this institution, its wonderful faculty and staff, and our amazing students," Cevallos said. "I feel very fortunate to have gotten the chance to get to know many of you and I want to thank you for helping make my final academic year at Framingham State so special."

Jonathan Lemire, the Chief White House Correspondent for Politico and a host on MSNBC, spoke about polarization in the country and encouraged graduates to step away from their internet and social media silos and engage with people face to face.

"You will realize that other person is another human," he said. "Someone with whom you can disagree but still respect….find that common ground that gives our democracy its most valuable asset. A connected, informed, tolerant citizenry."

The President's Award, which is the highest honor bestowed by the Office of the President, was given to Dick ‘70 and Mary ‘71 Logan, alumni and longtime supporters of the University. Dick served on the Board of Trustees for many years and passed away last year following a battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

A posthumous bachelor's degree in Food Science was also presented to the family of graduating senior Bradlee Nadeau, who passed away a few weeks prior to the ceremony.