We function in calendar cycles on a college campus – weeks, semesters, academic years, countdowns, deadlines. The largest milestone each year, undoubtedly, is commencement. A time to celebrate accomplishments and friendships, look back at fond memories and look ahead to future opportunities. It’s such an important day for the staff and faculty to share with our students and their families.

This Saturday, Endicott will hold its 72nd Commencement at 10:30am. We’re expecting gorgeous weather and will be setting up for the largest gathering we’ve seen at our Stadium.

750 students are set to graduate this weekend:   220 with Master of Arts, Master of Education, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, or Master of Fine Arts degrees, 525 students with Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, and five with Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degrees.

An interactive live feed of the ceremony will be available here, and we’ll be live-Tweeting all day from @EndicottCollege.

Special Guests:

• Salome Thomas-EL will be the commencement speaker and recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. He is a national education expert and consultant.  He has been a teacher and principal in Philadelphia, PA from 1987 to 2009 and is currently the Head of School at Thomas Edison Charter School in Wilmington, DE.  Throughout his career, he has helped hundreds of high-risk children overcome the barriers posed by poverty, violence, neglect, and low self-esteem to achieve success as high school and college graduates.  He received national acclaim as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School, where his students have gone on to win world recognition as Eight-Time National Chess Champions. Salome was a regular contributor on the first season of “The Dr. Oz Show” and is the author of the best-selling books, I Choose to Stay, about his Vaux Middle School experience, and The Immortality of Influence, which stresses the importance of leadership, mentoring, parenting and service to others.

• State Senator Frederick E. Berry will also receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the commencement ceremony.  Senate Majority Leader Berry is a life-long resident of Peabody. He is currently serving his 14th term in the Massachusetts State Senate, representing the communities of Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Salem, and Topsfield. He has served as Majority Leader since being appointed to the position in 2003.

• The Excellence in Teaching Award, voted on by the graduating class, goes to Dr. William Young, Associate Professor of Humanities.  He has taught at Endicott for seven years, teaching courses in ethics, religion, ancient and medieval philosophy, and popular culture.  His research interests include issues in philosophy and religious studies, with a central focus on the thematic of friendship. He is the author of numerous articles and essays, ranging from The Journal of Religion and Philosophy Today to South Park and Philosophy. He is also the author of two books: The Politics of Praise: Naming God and Friendship in Aquinas and Derrida and Uncommon Friendships: An Amicable History of Modern Religious Thought.

Most questions about commencement can be answered by our FAQ list here.

Schedule:

9:15 a.m. All graduates must be on campus and gather in the MacDonald Gymnasium, located in the Post Center. The College requests guests’ cooperation in remaining outside the student robing area.

10:00 a.m. All robing and procession areas must be cleared of guests. We encourage family and friends to make arrangements for pre-Commencement photos elsewhere.

10:15 a.m. The processional will begin at the Gymnasium. Candidates will be called to the stage alphabetically by degree. President Wylie will host a Commencement Reception for graduates, guests, and faculty at the Callahan Center following the ceremony. All are invited.

We’re looking forward to a celebratory and emotional day – we hope you’ll join us in congratulating the Class of 2012!