Bachelor’s degrees in the arts, sciences, business and education were awarded to approximately 2,000 graduates including Yesenia Vega of Chelsea during Bridgewater State University’s 180th Spring Commencement Convocation held for the first time off-campus at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, July 31.
Undergraduate majors from the Ricciardi College of Business, College of Education & Allied Studies, and the Bartlett College of Science & Mathematics were awarded their degrees during a morning ceremony while students in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences received their diplomas in the afternoon.
BSU held four commencement ceremonies across three days awarding bachelor’s degrees to members of the Class of 2020 and graduate students from both 2020 and 2021. BSU was the only college or university to hold graduation at Gillette Stadium this year.
Speakers addressing the topic leadership included Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria, BSU president emeritus; Rep. Stephen Lynch of the Eighth Congressional District; and former Sen. Therese Murray, the first woman president of the Massachusetts State Senate. All received honorary degrees.
Distinguished Service Awards were presented to individuals who made the Plymouth 400 celebration possible, even during the COVID crisis. They included Ms. Linda Coombs, Wampanoag historian and independent scholar; and Dr. Gary Maestas, past school superintendent of Plymouth Public Schools.
Abigail Soares of Plymouth, an educator major, addressed her fellow graduates at the morning ceremony, while Ethan Child of East Bridgewater, an English major, delivered the student address at the afternoon ceremony.