03-05-2025
A word (or two) of advice: Who's speaking at MetroWest college graduations?
The time is nearly here for caps and gowns, as the Class of 2025 prepares for commencement exercises at area colleges and universities. On their way out, they will be treated to words of wisdom from business people, academics, media figures, state officials and, in the case of Dean College, one of their own.
What follows is some basic information about who has been chosen to deliver keynote speeches at undergraduate graduation ceremonies throughout MetroWest:
When: 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 24
Where: DCU Center Arena and Convention Center, Worcester
Commencement speaker: NBC10 Boston news anchor Latoyia Edwards. Known for her work with NBC10 Boston and NECN, she has been a prominent figure in New England journalism for more than two decades. She was named one of Boston Magazine's Most Influential Bostonians in 2023. 'Her inspiring journey, commitment to community engagement and dedication to storytelling as a vehicle for making connections resonate deeply with our mission to empower students to lead with purpose and integrity,' Framingham State University President Nancy Niemi said in a prepared statement.
When: 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 10
Where: In front of Dean Hall, along Awpie Way, Franklin
Commencement speaker: Communications major Amanda Shields (student speaker). For two years, she has been a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), the nation's largest leadership honor society. Students are nominated by their college or university for membership based on academic standing and leadership potential. Shields has also served as student manager of Dean's baseball team.
When: 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17
Where: Bentley University Football Stadium, Waltham
Commencement speaker: Jerry Jacobs Jr., CEO of Delaware North and an alternate governor of the Boston Bruins. A graduate of Georgetown University, he joined Delaware North, a multinational food service and hospitality company based in Buffalo, New York, in 1989. In 2015, Jeremy Jacobs Sr. named Jerry Jr. and his brother Louis co-heads of Delaware North.
When: 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 18
Where: Gosman Sports and Convention Center, Waltham
Commencement speaker: American Judaism historian and professor Jonathan D. Sarna. He teaches in Brandeis' department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and serves as director of the university's Schusterman Center for Israel Studies. Sarna is regarded as one of the most prominent historians of American Judaism. His 2004 book, "American Judaism: A History, received the National Jewish Booh Award.
When: 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 29
Where: MassBay's main campus in Wellesley Hills
Commencement speaker: Patrick Tutwiler, Massachusetts secretary of education. For the time being, he's also interim commissioner of the Department of Early and Secondary Education after Russell Johnston's departure in March. Tutwiler holds a PhD from Boston College's Lynch School of Education and Human Development.
When: 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10
Where: Leader Bank Pavillion in Boston's Seaport District
Commencement speaker: Beverly Malone, president and CEO for the National League for Nursing, which promotes excellence in nursing education. The American Nurses Association (ANA) named her as its 2024 Hall of Fame Award recipient. Malone also served as federal deputy assistant secretary for health under President Clinton.
When: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 16
Where: Severance Green, Wellesley
Commencement speaker: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Isabel Wilkerson. In 1994, she became the first Black journalist to win a Pulitzer Prize for individual reporting and first Black woman to win a journalism Pulitzer, according to the National Association of Black Jourmalists. Former Chicago bureau chief for The New York Times.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Who's speaking at MetroWest college graduations?
