Commencement

Celebrating the Class of 2025

Boldly Chase Your Dreams

FSU Celebrates Commencement

Award-winning NBC Boston news anchor Latoyia Edwards challenged Framingham State’s graduating Class of 2025 to ignore the doubters and boldly chase their dreams during a high-energy keynote speech that was interspersed with music from Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and more.

Edwards grew up in a working-class family in Dorchester to parents who were in their teens when she was born. She said the love and support she received from her parents allowed her to boldly pursue her dream of becoming a broadcast journalist despite other children and adults telling her she couldn’t do it.

“Most people laughed right in my face,” she said. “It stung, but of course I didn’t listen to them…you determine your story. You can be who you want to be.”

Degrees Conferred

524 Bachelors

321 Masters

Student speaker Jeremy McDonald, a member of the hockey team who is going on to law school, told his classmates that by earning a college degree, they have positioned themselves to become leaders in their communities.

“Leadership is pursuing the truth and living to it,” McDonald said. “It can be loud, and it can be quiet. Each of you is a leader…you have the power to serve the public interest and advocate for the voiceless.”

FSU conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree upon Edwards during the ceremony for her community advocacy and commitment to conveying truth and knowledge in our region. Dr. Diane Lowe, Professor Emerita of Education, was presented the President’s

Medal, for her significant contributions to FSU during her 45-year career.

The graduate ceremony was held on May 22 in the FSU Athletic Center. Keynote Speaker Warren Griffin ’73, G’78 shared his personal story of leaving Framingham State after his first year to enroll in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He would go on to earn both his undergraduate and master’s degrees at FSU, and become a school teacher and administrator in Boston. Later, he would serve his fellow veterans and Marines through leadership roles with the Marine Corps League.

Check out highlights from
the 2025 Commencement!

Video thumbnail: President Niemi celebrates
with the graduates.