PLYMOUTH — Plymouth State University (PSU) celebrated its 147th commencement on Saturday, May 19th in the Bank of New Hampshire Field House in the Active Living, Learning, and Wellness (ALLWell) North Center, the University’s state-of-the-art academic and athletic complex.
A total of 690 undergraduate degrees were awarded before a crowd of more than 5,000 guests. Graduate and doctorate degrees were awarded in a separate ceremony on Thursday evening, May 17th.
“At Plymouth, we cherish the pumpkins atop Rounds Hall, First Fire, Ski Day at Waterville Valley, Secret Beach, and Spring Fling, including the rave on Mary Lyon Lawn and the Battle of the Bands,” said Donald L. Birx, President, Plymouth State University.
“These traditions won’t change, but we will continue to innovate to meet the demands of a changing world. You see, we practice what we teach and that includes taking risks to give you the most cutting-edge education in the country. You have the tools to succeed and have lives of impact as you pursue your dreams.”
The Honorable Chris Sununu, Governor of New Hampshire, delivered the commencement address. Sununu, the youngest governor in the nation, is currently serving his first term as Governor of New Hampshire.
“It’s not just what we achieve-it’s how we do it. How we do it is just as important as the ends we achieve,” said Governor Sununu. “‘Live Free or Die’-it’s truly how we live here. It exemplifies and defines our shared priorities. If you’ve gone to PSU you understand service. This organization really values it. Find your civil service, volunteer, stay involved. Work hard to bring out the best in yourselves.”
PSU Class of 2018 graduates hail from 19 states, including: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Nebraska, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, and 10 countries, including: Canada, Sweden, Australia, South Korea, China, India and Saudi Arabia. The top majors are: Education, criminal justice, business, sales, marketing, sports management, and adventure education.
“We have worked across campus and the surrounding area, watched the cluster model begin, witnessed the creation of Merrill Place and this building [AllWell North Center] we celebrate in today,” said Shannon Spaulding, President of the Class of 2018.
“Plymouth state is where I learned to keep trying, and to pick myself up no matter the situation. And this is a lesson I hope each of us learned from the place that will probably always feel like home to us.”
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