SALEM — Salem State University (SSU) will resume its traditional commencement ceremony format this year for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Students will be able to cross the stage in five different celebrations on May 19, 20 and 21 in the O’Keefe Complex.
“There are few events as enjoyable as coming together to recognize our students’ success,” said SSU President John D. Keenan. “The Class of 2022 has overcome so much to cross the stage this spring, and I’m excited to welcome our graduates and their friends and family to celebrate this accomplishment with our larger Viking community.”
SSU will also be recognizing three honorary degree recipients for being agents of change in their professions and communities.
These honorees are rapper, cartoonist, social activist, and SSU alumnus Keith Knight, Class of 1990; Eastern Bank Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board Bob Rivers; and LVCC, Inc. President and CEO Pamela Scott, who also served on SSU’s Board of Trustees as member and chair.
Each honoree will address graduates during the ceremony that they are being honored at.
“This year’s honorary degree recipients have not only seen resounding success in their careers, but they have used their platforms as megaphones to drive social change,” said Keenan. “These honorees exemplify what it means to have a voice and give back. They demonstrate the kind of commitment to activism and engagement that we encourage in our students, and that so many of our students, alumni, faculty and staff embody.”
SSU normally hosts three commencement ceremonies, but will hold five this year to keep attendance at 75 percent of capacity under the university’s current COVID-19 policies.
Last year, SSU celebrated the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 with a combination of virtual ceremonies and small, in-person gatherings.
For more information about commencement dates and times, visit salemstate.edu/commencement.
