Gov to speak at NSCC’s graduation

LYNN – Gov. Deval Patrick will bid farewell to over 900 graduates of North Shore Community College this year, highlighting the college’s May 21 commencement ceremony with a keynote address.The school announced the appearance last week, praising the first-term governor for his commitment to all levels of education across the state and efforts in “securing the state’s economic future.””We are truly honored to have Gov. Patrick as our speaker,” said NSCC President Wayne Burton. “He is someone who understands and promotes the transformative power of education.”Patrick, who was elected governor in 2006, has a diverse professional past to discuss with the future members of Massachusetts’ work force, having been a lawyer, corporate secretary for Coca-Cola, Vice President at Texaco and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights under then-President Bill Clinton.A native of Chicago, Patrick attended school in Massachusetts, graduating from Milton Academy and Harvard Law School.As governor, Patrick has gained a reputation among supporters for putting education first, although many schools have seen budget cuts this year due to the nationwide economic crisis.Although some federal stimulus money does appear to be in line for student loans and state-run colleges and universities in the fiscal year 2010 budget, NSCC, like other state institutions, took a big hit earlier this year when Patrick sliced millions in local aid in an effort to salvage the fiscal year 2009 budget.NSCC’s 43rd commencement will take place May 21 at the Richard B. O’Keefe Field House at Salem State College. The college expects to hand associate degrees to more than 900 students from both Lynn and Danvers campuses.Along with Patrick’s speech, the event will feature student and faculty speakers.