Dean College announces Commencement Speaker & Honorary degree recipients

Dean College is excited to announce that we will present honorary degrees to Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, Michael J. Bobbitt and former U.S. Ambassador to Croatia and Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations in Afghanistan, Peter W. Galbraith at our 158th Commencement Exercises. 

Michael J. Bobbitt will also address the graduates as our Commencement speaker. 

Read more at ->  https://www.dean.edu/news-events/story/dean-college-announces-158th-commencement-speaker-and-honorary-degree-recipients/

Dean College announces Commencement Speaker & Honorary degree recipients

158TH Dean College Commencement Ceremony Details | May 18, 2024

"The Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2024 will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM in front of Dean Hall, along Awpie Way. 

Review the information below to learn more about the ceremony ->   https://www.dean.edu/alumni/commencement/

Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2024

 

The Historical Museum welcomes those visiting Franklin for Dean College's 157 Commencement

We invite all those visiting town for the 157th Commencement of Dean College to stop in for our look back on the History of Dean College.  

Museum Hours are Saturday 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday 1 PM - 4 PM. Congratulations to all Dean Grads.

Dean commencement information -> https://www.dean.edu/events/details/dean-college-commencement/2023-05-06/

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and entry is always free.

You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at  
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/   or on Facebook  at   https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

Dean College Commencement Ceremony scheduled for May 6, 2023 at 11 AM

Dean College has scheduled the 157th Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2023 Commencement Ceremony to be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM in front of Dean Hall, along Awpie Way. 

Review the information here to learn more about the ceremony -> 

https://www.dean.edu/alumni/commencement/

Dean College Commencement Ceremony Details May 6, 2023

"Sharing gives meaning to life" (video)

"Life is for service." Those are the words Rollins College valedictorian Elizabeth Bonker lives by -- words that inspired Rollins' most famous graduate, Mr. Fred Rogers. Bonker, who is nonspeaking and has autism, gave a remarkable address during her school's recent commencement ceremony in Winter Park, Florida. 

Clad in a cap and gown decorated with flowers, Bonker explained, through a text-to-speech program, how she typed her remarks using a single finger with the help of a communication aide. People with nonspeaking autism have trouble developing speech, and in Bonker's case, neuromotor issues inhibit her communication and her ability to do some other basic tasks. 

Learning to type changed everything. 

"That one critical intervention unlocked my mind from its silent cage," she said during her address."

Continue reading the article on Elizabeth Bonker online

https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/13/us/autism-graduate-nonspeaking-commencement-rollins-college-cec/index.html

Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/8g5aJExZQwg

Franklin Downtown Traffic Alert -> Dean Commencement Saturday, May 7 at 11 AM

The Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony will be held in front of Dean Hall (rain or shine), along Awpie Way, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11:00 AM

For more about the Commencement visit   https://www.dean.edu/alumni/commencement/ 

Dean's mascot "Boomer" out on the lawn for major events

Dean College scheduled to hold 2 Commencements on Saturday, May 8

"The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Town of Franklin have approved a safe and acceptable plan for your Commencement. The Class of 2021 Commencement Ceremony will be held in front of Dean Hall, along Awpie Way, on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 10:00 AM. Attendees will be limited to degree candidates and two (2) guests per graduate. Regrettably, we cannot offer the opportunity to invite more than two guests per graduate. Livestream options will be available here the day of the ceremony for graduates, family and friends who are unable to attend in person.

Class of 2020, please visit the 154th Commencement exercises page for up-to-date information" (scheduled for 3:00 PM)

Class of 2020 info

https://www.dean.edu/alumni/commencement/commencement-for-2020-graduates/

Class of 2021 info 

https://www.dean.edu/alumni/commencement/

setting up for commencement in the rain on Wednesday

Morrongiello Selected to Deliver MassBay Student Commencement Address

MassBay Community College is pleased to announce that, Maxwell Sherman Morrongiello of Franklin, MA, will deliver the student commencement address to his fellow classmates and guests at the College’s 57th commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 23, 2019. 

Morrongiello will graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Psychology and Sociology and plans to attend Bridgewater State University in fall 2019 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Economics or Political Science.

Morrongiello is honored to be delivering the student commencement address, explaining, "I've come a along way since struggling to fit in as child at high school and coping with anxiety as a young adult. Many of my fellow graduates have also had a wide varety of challenges they have had to overcome in order to get here. 

MassBay has been dedicated to helping its students overcome these obstacles to succeed, whether it is due to food insecurity, a disability, or financial hardship. I will be focusing my address on our shared jouney as we celebrate our accomplishments together.”

During his time at MassBay, Morrongiello participated in the Student Government Association (SGA) and served as Parliamentarian, Legislation Committee Chair, and founded and chaired the SGA Summer Committee, ensuring SGA had an on-campus presence during summer classes. Morrongiello served on the Time and Space Committee working to bring Common Hour to the College, a one-hour break during the Monday and Wednesday class schedule that allows time for students to join clubs, activities, or have more study time. 

He served on the Student Nourishment and Care Committee (SNACC) to help fight student hunger on campus, even participating in an interview with WGBH and PBS NewsHour about our frozen meal collaboration with Boston-based organization, Food For Free. Morrongiello also led an initiative with the SGA and the Provost’s Office to recognize the achievements of part-time students to include them on the Dean’s List, which passed faculty governance.

https://www.massbay.edu/

Morrongiello is also an elected member of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee and serves as the webmaster. He was an intern with State Representative, Jeffrey Roy, of Franklin. He has volunteered his time as a speaker with the Department of Mental Health’s Community Conversation Initiative to eliminate the stigma of mental illness. 

Morrongiello presented to the Worcester Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Training about his own road to mental health to help officers better understand the issue first-hand. “I have spent a lot of time focused on my own recovery with anxiety, while also trying to educate others to demystify mental illness. I find the more you talk about mental illness the more that stigma breaks down.”

MassBay Community College is ranked by the Brookings Institution as one of the top schools for value added and earned salaries in the workforce. Ranked #1 for 2-year colleges in Massachusetts, #2 in New England and ranked #16 nationally. The College’s facilities in Wellesley Hills, Framingham and Ashland house day, evening and weekend classes that meet the needs of degree-seeking students and career minded life-long learners. Online options provide convenience and allow faculty to facilitate the learning process. Since its founding in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by several governing bodies and strives to meet the needs of the diverse local communities it serves.

In the News: Dean commencement; Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Co opens in Marlboro

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Dean commencement

"When first-generation American Fatima Naidjate, a Muslim, first stepped onto the Dean College campus in Franklin for student orientation nearly four years ago, she scanned the crowd of freshmen for another girl wearing a hijab, eager to shake the feeling of being different. 

“Before Dean, I was always reminded by those around me that I was different,” said Naidjate, addressing a maroon sea of 292 fellow graduates as the college’s 153rd commencement student speaker on Saturday. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology, planning to later pursue an MBA degree with a concentration in marketing. 

“As the great Maya Angelou put it, ‘They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.’ With the strong community of diverse individuals here at Dean, I always felt at home,” she said. “At Dean, I did not need someone who looked exactly like me – it was those who were different from me that allowed me to feel a sense of belonging.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190511/dean-college-graduates-293-at-153rd-commencement

In the News: Dean commencement

Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Co opens in Marlboro

"A unique new business is brewing in downtown Marlborough. 

Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company – a brewery and coffee roaster – opened its doors Saturday at the former Speakers nightclub on Weed Street. The brewery and roaster held a private soft opening for friends and family members Thursday. J.P. and Melynda Gallagher have worked for the past year and a half to turn the former nightclub into a combination coffee house and taproom. 

“We’ve put everything we have into this,” said Melynda Gallagher. “We’re so excited to share it with people.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190512/lost-shoe-opens-brewery-and-roasting-company-in-marlborough-this-weekend

For more about Lost Shoe: https://lostshoebrews.com/

Dean College - Commencement - May 11 at 11:00 AM

Dean College will be celebrating its 153rd Commencement on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 11:00 AM.

Commencement will occur outdoors RAIN or SHINE.

Commencement speakers include Dr. Paula M. Rooney, Dean College President; Mark D. Boyce, Chairman of the Dean College Board of Trustees; and student speaker Fatima Naidjate.

Commencement will be live streamed beginning at 10:45 AM. Visit www.dean.edu/commencement for the live stream link.

For more information, visit www.dean.edu/commencement

Dean College - Commencement - May 11 at 11:00 AM

Dean College Commencement Exercises - Saturday May 5, 2018

Dean College 2018 Commencement

WHEN: Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. (Processional begins at 10:45 a.m.) **RAIN OR SHINE**

WHERE: Awpie Way (Front Lawn of Dean Hall) Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038

WHAT: Dean College will be celebrating its 152nd commencement exercises this Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Processional begins at 10:45 a.m. rain or shine. 

Commencement speakers include Dr. Paula M. Rooney, Dean College President; Mark D. Boyce, Chairman of the Dean College Board of Trustees; and student speaker Nabeel Barqawi. 

For more information, visit www.dean.edu/commencement.

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Our graduates are lifetime learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.

Dean College Commencement Exercises - Saturday May 5, 2018

FHS Commencement info and All Night Party - June 2

"This is the homepage for the 2017 Franklin High School Commencement Ceremony. You will find all of the information about the ceremony on this site including information about times and locations, ordering tickets, handicap seating, parking and more. We hope this helps our families plan an enjoyable celebration of your students' success."

https://sites.google.com/a/franklinps.net/fhs-commencement/home

The FHS All Night Party will operate for the graduates to have a safe and fun evening from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM

http://www.fhsallnightparty.com/

FHS Commencement info and All Night Party - June 2

"I wanted to be an example of hard work and perseverance for my daughters.

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Karen Laven felt stuck in her job and as a mother of two. 

She wanted to be a role model for her two daughters and pursue the dreams she had once set aside to raise a family. 

She wanted to make it up “the mountain,” she said. 

And on Saturday, standing before hundreds of her fellow Dean College graduates and a rain-enduring crowd, the business management student was surely, finally, at the top."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170507/franklin-dean-college-grads-urged-to-seek-truth-dreams

the sun shone on the Dean campus on Friday
and the rains came for graduation on Saturday

Karen Laven and Valerie Davis selected as speakers for Dean Commencement - May 6

"On Saturday, May 6, 2017 over 300 graduating students will join the ranks of over 25,000 Dean Alumni worldwide during the 2017 Commencement Exercises.  

Continuing with tradition, the 2017 Commencement ceremony will be held outside along Awpie Way, considered by many as the most beautiful and iconic part of campus. 

With only a few days until the ceremony, have you ever wondered how colleges and universities choose their commencement speakers? 

As noted by a recent article published by University Business, colleges and universities want their speakers to challenge and inspire the graduates, while also being both engaging and appropriate for the audiences of the graduating students, and their families, faculty and administrators. 

Here at Dean the students are our focus! We pride ourselves on making a difference in our students’ lives and in turn they make a difference in ours. Each year, we select student representatives to give messages to the graduating class. 

Selections are based on recommendations, academics and an overall commitment to Dean College. This year, two students were selected to speak on behalf of the Class of 2017. 

Karen Laven, a Business Management major from Franklin, MA and a member of both The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), as well as the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society has been selected as a speaker at the 2017 ceremony. Karen will be attending Northeastern University in the fall to complete her MBA. 

Another local resident, Valerie Davis (pictured above), has also been selected to speak on behalf of the Bachelor’s Degree students. Valerie is a Theatre and Business major whom has been actively involved on campus, participating in the Student Government Association (SGA) as treasurer, and as a student ambassador. Additionally, Valerie has performed in several theatre productions, including the most recent performance of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. 

After graduation, Valerie will be attending theatre auditions in New York City.
Dean College’s 151st Commencement Exercises will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the front lawn of Dean Hall on campus. 

Check back for a recap after Saturday’s exercises. Congratulations Class of 2017! "

Click here for more information on Commencement.

Boomer sits on the grass on the Dean campus

This was shared from the Dean College webpage
http://www.dean.edu/dean_college_blog_dean_college_selects_2017_commencement_speakers/

In the News: Franklin's Beautification Day, Dean's 150th Commencement

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Volunteers adorned the streets of Franklin with nearly 1,000 pots of flowers Saturday as part of the town’s annual beautification day. 

The event’s chairwoman, Eileen Mason, a Garden Club and Downtown Partnership member, said that annual event was established about 14 years years ago by the Garden Club, with a simple goal to “put a little more color into downtown.” 

The event is a collaborative effort put on by the Franklin Garden Club and the Franklin Downtown Partnership, with the help of many volunteers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160521/hundreds-of-flowers-planted-in-franklin

"Dean College held its 150th commencement exercises on May 14 at the Dean College campus in Franklin. More than 300 students received their degrees, with a large number of family and friends in attendance. 

Continuing with tradition, the 2016 commencement ceremony was held outside along Awpie Way, considered by many as the most beautiful and iconic part of campus. 

The keynote address was provided by Dean College President Paula Rooney, who encouraged students to push themselves out of their comfort zones and keep an open mind."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160521/dean-college-holds-150th-commencement

Dean College set up for the graduation along Awpie Way

Dean College 2016 Commencement Exercises - Saturday, May 14th @ 11a.m.

Dean College 2016 Commencement

WHEN: 

Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.


WHERE: 

Awpie Way (Front Lawn of Dean Hall) Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038


WHAT: 

Dean College will be celebrating its 150th commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 14th at 11:00 a.m. Commencement speakers include Dr. Paula M. Rooney, Dean College President, Mark D. Boyce, Chairman of the Dean College Board of Trustees, Candice Coco Lam, Associate Degree student speaker, Jaclyn Coutoumas, Bachelor's Degree student speaker, and Allison Clarke, School of Continuing Studies speaker.

Founded in 1865, Dean College is a private, residential college located in Franklin Massachusetts, 45 minutes from Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. Dean College offers baccalaureate degrees, associate degree programs, as well as a robust schedule of part-time continuing and professional education credit and certificate programs throughout the calendar year.

Dean College

Where will the Class of 2015 go next?

Where will the Class of 2015 go next? 

Thanks to information provided by the Franklin School Department, I was able to create this pivot table. Shown in descending order, these institutions or life categories are where at least 2 of the 392 graduates of FHS indicated they will be heading to.

Franklin High School

Post Secondary Path	Tally
University of Massachusetts, Amherst	37
University of New Hampshire	20
- Employment	12
Massachusetts Bay Community College	12
Westfield State University	12
Framingham State University	10
University of Massachusetts, Lowell	10
Bridgewater State University	9
Bryant University	8
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth	8
Roger Williams University	7
University of Vermont	7
Western New England University	7
Boston College	6
Plymouth State University	6
Southern New Hampshire University	6
University of Rhode Island	6
Dean College	5
- Life Skills Transition	5
Northeastern University	5
Saint Anselm College	5
University of New Haven	5
Boston University	4
Coastal Carolina University	4
Hofstra University	4
Ithaca College	4
Keene State College	4
Quinnipiac University	4
University of Connecticut	4
University of Massachusetts, Boston	4
Emmanuel College	3
Endicott College	3
Fitchburg State University	3
Franklin Pierce University	3
Lesley University	3
Providence College	3
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	3
Simmons College	3
Stonehill College	3
University of Maine	3
University of South Carolina	3
Wentworth Institute of Technology	3
Worcester State University	3
Assumption College	2
Bunker Hill Community College	2
Emerson College	2
Fairfield University	2
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences	2
Merrimack College	2
New York University	2
Norwich University	2
Pennsylvania State University, University Park	2
Salem State University	2
Salve Regina University	2
Springfield College	2
Suffolk University	2
Syracuse University	2
Tri County Cosmetology Program	2
United States Navy	2
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	2
- Other Unique Institutions	79
Total	392

Alphabetically, this is the listing of the 79 institutions where only one graduate will go

Post Graduate Institution

American University

AmeriCorps Service Program

Anna Maria College

Asnuntuck Community College

Babson College

Bard College

Becker College

Belmont University

Bentley University

Bridgton Academy

Brigham Young University

Bristol Community College

Bucknell University

Cape Cod Community College

Castleton State College

Clemson University

Colby College

Community College of Rhode Island

Cosmetology School

Cosmix School of Cosmetology

Curry College

Drexel University

Duke University

Duquesne University

East Carolina University

Eastern Connecticut State University

Eckerd College

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Florida Atlantic University

Fordham University - Lincoln Center Campus/Rose Hill Campus

Full Sail University

Gap Year

Husson University

James Madison University

Johnson & Wales University (Providence)

Kents Hill School

Lehigh University

Lynn University

Marist College

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Massachusetts State University

Methodist University

Mount Ida College

New Hampshire Technical Institute

Pace University, New York City

Porter and Chester Institute

Regis College

Rochester Institute of Technology

Sacred Heart University

Saint Joseph's University

Saint Michael's College

Seattle University

Siena College

Southern Connecticut State University

The George Washington University

The University of Tampa

Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy

Towson University

Trinity College

United States Army

University at Buffalo The State University of New York

University of California, Davis

University of Central Florida

University of Delaware

University of Florida

University of Hartford

University of Maryland, College Park

University of Miami

University of New England

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania

University of Richmond

University of Southern California

University of Southern Maine

University of Tampa

Utica College

Wheaton College MA

Wheelock College

"Will you take your tools and tear down some more walls?"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted May 30, 2008 @ 11:05 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Addressing his daughter, Alicia Mary Roy, in front of a crowd of hundreds of parents, teachers, and friends of the graduating Class of 2008, School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy told her, "I still remember the first day I saw you."

He dreamed of a day like yesterday, he said.

"Your mother and I are blessed, and I don't think there's a parent in this room who doesn't feel the same" about their child, Roy said in his opening remarks at Franklin High School commencement last night.

Roy, like Superintendent Wayne Ogden and Franklin High School Principal Pamela A. Gould, then told about 370 graduating seniors what the world was like in days past.

Roy joked that his mother likes to remind him he was born in the middle of an "I Love Lucy" show in 1961, and becoming serious, told students they came into the world when the Berlin Wall came down, in 1989.

"The Berlin Wall, an iconic symbol of oppression... that wall stood a very long time, divided families, a city, and a world," said Roy, "but even impenetrable obstructions could not last."

The Berlin Wall attracted no one, it simply repelled, he said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.