Commencement

Celebrating the Class of 2023

Campus News

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley Tells Framingham State University Graduates
to “Take Up Space” in the World

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley urged Framingham State University’s graduating class of 2023 to be their authentic selves and take up space in the world during a packed ceremony at the DCU Center on Sunday, May 21.

“When I was your age, I apologized about everything,” Pressley said. “…I was always shrinking. But I need all of you to take up space. Create space. Take up space in your unique greatness. Know that your path to greatness begins first by being fully, authentically and unapologetically you.”

Pressley, the first woman of color from Massachusetts ever elected to Congress, told the graduates she admires their generation for speaking out about the major issues facing the United States today, including gun violence and the climate crisis.

“I continue to be blown away not just by your talents in the classroom but your concern and empathy for one another and future generations,” she said.

The University conferred a Doctor of Public Service degree upon Pressley during the ceremony. A total of 667 students received their undergraduate degrees.

Framingham State University President Nancy S. Niemi told the graduates that their education has provided them with the power of intellectual curiosity.

“In you now, as part of you, are ways of seeing that will change the world because you have changed your perspective,” President Niemi said. “In you now are skills that will allow you to perform new jobs or broaden existing ones, allowing wherever you work to succeed and grow. In you now is the power of intellectual curiosity: not only do you have questions—you know how to look for answers.”