Congratulations to all the graduates!

The exit: Pep Band plays ‘All Hail Northeastern’

The university leaders depart the stage as the graduates and their onlooking guests celebrate. 

The Northeastern Pep Band plays “All Hail Northeastern,” followed by recessional music.

The sensational morning ceremony continues as graduates and guests meet and celebrate just outside the ballpark on Jersey Street.

Congratulations to all the graduates! We will resume our live commentary at 2 p.m. in advance of the undergraduate ceremony.

The finale performance: Rock and pep bands, dance crews and more

After the Nor’easters’ performance of the alma mater, the last phase of the show is under way. 

Other finale performers include:

• Commencement Rock Band under the direction of Junauro Landgrebe
• Northeastern University Wind Ensemble under the direction of Allen Feinstein
• Northeastern University Pep Band, under the direction of Allison Betsold
• Kinematix Dance Troupe
• Revolve Dance Crew
• Kaliente Dance Group
• NakhRAAS
• New England Bhangra Club
• Rangila
• NUDANCO
• Stepping On Another Level
• Northeastern University Cheerleading

Northeastern banner drops from the Green Monster

President Aoun moves to the podium to confer degrees.

Provost Madigan then introduces Megan Carter and Diane Nishigaya MacGillivray, senior vice president for university advancement.

“As I shared in my earlier remarks, it’s so important to surround yourself with the right people – to build a team you can lean on and learn from,” Carter says. “I’d like to think of this alumni community as just that. When I need a connection, advice, or encouragement, this is a network that has my back wherever my journey takes me. Class of 2024, welcome to the best team I’ve ever been part of!”

After the playing of an alumni video, Carter and MacGillivray shout, “Let’s get it started!” 

The Nor’easters sing a rendition of the alma mater. 

And a Northeastern banner drops from the Green Monster. It says, “Congrats Huskies!”

Deans ask the graduates from their colleges to rise

Provost Madigan presents the degrees in course.

“Mr. President,” he says, “it is my privilege to report to you that the candidates assembled here have qualified in all respects for the degrees in course. They have successfully completed curricula offered by the several schools and colleges of Northeastern University and have been recommended by the faculty and the council of deans to be awarded appropriate degrees in recognition of their academic accomplishments.”

One by one, the deans ask the graduates from their colleges to rise, declaring that they have qualified in all respects for their Northeastern degrees:

• Dean Gregory Abowd, College of Engineering
• Dunton Family Dean, David De Cremer, D’Amore McKim School of Business
• Dean Carmen Sceppa, Bouve’ College of Health Sciences
• Dean Elizabeth Mynatt, Khoury College of Computer Sciences
• Dean Elizabeth Hudson, College of Arts, Media and Design
• Dean Hazel Sive, College of Science
• Dean Kellee Tsai, College of Social Sciences and Humanities

Aoun: ‘Smart machines are powerful — but you outperform them in what matters’

“You might notice a theme here: These lessons are about engaging with the world in ways that are decidedly human,” Aoun says. “Smart machines are powerful — but you outperform them in what matters.

“A machine is limited to its data set. When ChatGPT hallucinates or gives wrong answers, it cannot reflect and change its mind. This can be dangerous.

“You, on the other hand, understand when to pivot and try a new approach. You understand how to listen to new ideas and viewpoints — and perhaps shift your thinking in the process.

“You have honed these uniquely human skills in your classrooms and on your co-ops. Your Northeastern experiences have given you the knowledge and the confidence to shape a better future together.

“Remember that your Northeastern community is incredibly precious. Wherever you go in the world, it will be there to extend a hand when you stumble and to cheer your triumphs.

“So nurture your Northeastern connections. They will give you the strength to achieve wonders. Northeastern will help you realize your dreams. Class of 2024, congratulations!”

Aoun: ‘I’d like to quote that famous 21st century philosopher Taylor Swift’

“For my second lesson,” Aoun says, “I’d like to quote that famous 21st century philosopher Taylor Swift. In one of her earlier recordings, she sang: ‘How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22.’

“I love that lyric. It reminds us that no matter how much we learn, knowledge is infinite. Wisdom begins with realizing how much we don’t know.

“So my final lesson is: Knowledge is a moving target. It wasn’t long ago that people thought the continents didn’t shift and atoms couldn’t be split. Until recently, nobody imagined that dinosaurs had feathers.

“The truth is, settled facts aren’t always settled. The established wisdom may prove, at some point, to be neither established nor wise.

“We live in a world of boundless fascination and endless change. Learning has no endpoint. It is in perpetual motion.”

Use the tools of your Northeastern education, Aoun suggesta.

“Perhaps it was a research project that set loose your curiosity. Or a co-op in which you first found your true calling.

“When we learn about the world, we also learn about ourselves. We come to understand who we really are. Of course, enlightenment is a temporary state. Just keep in mind that there is always more to discover. Humans are lifelong learners.”

Aoun: Graduates will be at the forefront of the AI revolution

Aoun welcomes everyone to the Northeastern family.

“You come from 122 countries, you speak dozens of languages and multiple ethnicities. 

Aoun says the Northeastern graduates will be at the forefront of the AI revolution. 

“As graduate students, you discovered knowledge, published in scholarly journals, and invented solutions that will change the world,” Aoun says. “You excelled in ways that only humans can.”

Aoun adds two more lessons to the commencement address. 

“Some of you might know that in August, I broke my knee,” Aoun says, “I had a fantastic physical therapist from our Bouvé College. He taught me something that may seem counterintuitive.

“It’s my first lesson today: When you’re feeling broken, keep moving. It turns out that rest is overrated. To heal as fast as possible, you need healthy movement. Doctors call this active recovery.

“It’s a great metaphor for life. You’ll sometimes take a wrong step. You’ll stumble. You might even crash. When this happens, it’s easy to feel discouraged. To withdraw. To stop moving.

“But that’s precisely the moment to apply the most energy. Get up and try again. Follow a different path. Summon the courage to move in a whole new direction.

“You can find opportunity, even when things go wrong. And when you push through the challenge, you’ll be surprised by your resilience. Never stop moving forward.”

Panchanathan: Collaboration and convergence

“All great things happen with true collaboration,” Panchanathan says, urging the students to tackle the world’s problems by engaging with people from other disciplines.

Collaboration and convergence require communication. Panchanathan, speaking with great energy, says he communicates with everyone who crosses his path, including Uber drivers. 

In conclusion, Panchanathan explores the meaning of HUSKY: H for humanity, U for understanding, S for service, K for knowledge and Y for you.

“It is about you,” Panchanathan says. “It is going to come through you, by you, from you.”

The nation has “unbelieve potential,” Panchanathan says, referring to the graduates as “the fortunate ones.”

Panchanathan: ‘Make sure you have the courage’

Panchanathan says his first spark of curiosity came as an 8-year-old at the U.S. consulate in Chennai, India, where he saw the Apollo 11 moon rocks. 

“Somebody built an amazing machine with people who brought down these rocks,” he says.

Panchanathan notes that NSF is funding Northeastern research by David Bau into artificial intelligence and large language models.

He adds that courage will be part of the lifelong equation for the graduates. 

“This courage should transcend all the obstacles,” he says. “Make sure you have the courage.”

Panchanathan shares a story of David Hayden, a student of his who was legally blind and was unable to see the classroom board.

Panchanathan provided Hayden with the resources to design a solution. 

“He took the challenge,” Panchanathan says of Hayden, who designed a camera that connected to his laptop and allowed him to see the board on his screen. Hayden went on to win many awards, Panchanathan says, all because he had the courage to take a risk.

Panchanathan: There will be a quiz at the end of my speech

Panchanathan says jovially that in his own academic career, he has been unable to remember anything from the commencement speeches he has heard over the years. With that in mind, he says, there will be a quiz at the end of this speech.

He begins by discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic enforced a sense of change that was embraced by the Northeastern students.

“How do I do this?” he asks rhetorically. 

It comes down to the spirit of curiosity. 

“We are explorers,” he says. “We are constantly exploring the environment in our life. The curiosity to explore should never, ever be extinguished.”

Honorary degree for Sethuraman Panchanathan

Richard D’Amore, chairman of the Board of Trustees, presents Sethuraman Panchanathan with an honorary doctor of science degree. Panchanathan, director of the National Science Foundation, will be giving the commencement speech in a moment.

Panchanathan, a computer scientist and engineer, was named director of the National Science Foundation in June 2020. The NSF, which has a budget of about $9.5 billion, is an independent federal agency charged with advancing scientific discovery, technological innovation and STEM education in the United States.

Elizabeth Mynatt, dean of the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, describes Panchanathan as a “transformative leader in science and technology, standard-bearer for innovation partnerships, champion for diversity and inclusion in STEM.

“As a world-renowned researcher in artificial intelligence, you were propelled by two guiding principles: that scientific and technological innovations should empower human creativity, and that solutions to the world’s urgent problems demand the integration of creative voices from every part of the human chorus,” Mynatt continues. 

“As the director of the National Science Foundation, you apply those principles through transformative initiatives that dramatically elevate our society’s problem-solving powers while ensuring that innovations empower all of humankind.

“In recognition of a leader who is unleashing the human capacity to create in service of a healthier, sustainable, and more secure world, Northeastern University is pleased to bestow upon you the honorary degree of doctor of science.”

Northeastern President Joseph E. Aoun formally introduces Panchanathan.

Megan Carter shares lessons learned from hockey career

Carter, who was greeted by chants of her name (similar to those heard at Matthews Arena), begins her speech by revealing that she has “officially declared for the Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft in hopes of achieving another lifelong dream of mine.”

Carter, who is expected to be a high pick in the PWHL Draft next month, says her athletic experiences have provided her with two lessons as she looks ahead to her post-hockey career as a doctor.

“The first lesson: Build a ‘get to’ mindset — seeing challenges as an opportunity instead of an obligation,” says Carter, who as team captain helped the Huskies overcome a disappointing 8-8 start on their way to returning to the Hockey East championship game.

“We went on to have 17 wins — nine of them battling in overtime or shootout — making our way back to the Hockey East Championship game,” Carter says. “And we also won the first-ever women’s Beanpot tournament at TD Garden in front of a record-breaking 10,633 fans.”

Her second lesson? Build a team that you can lean on and learn from.

“As a team captain, there were points when I felt that I had to take on the weight of the world,” Carter says. “But by surrounding myself with the right people, my perspective was broadened, and the process became more enjoyable. Learn to recognize who these people are in your life.”

Chancellor Henderson introduces student speaker Megan Carter

Ken Henderson, chancellor and senior vice president for learning, introduces student speaker and double Husky Megan Carter. 

Carter, a star of the Northeastern women’s hockey team, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology last year and is graduating this year with a master’s in human movement and rehabilitation.

“As a graduate student, Megan served as president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee,” Henderson says. 

“Megan also was a defensive star on the women’s ice hockey team this season, earning multiple accolades including the Rowlands Award, the Hockey East Defender of the Year Award for the second year running, a New England Division One All-Star recognition, and an invitation to Canada’s National Women’s Team Camp.”

Provost David Madigan congratulates the graduates

David Madigan, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, recognizes all who have contributed to this moment.

“Graduates, please rise to thank your families, partners, and friends for all they have done to help you reach this moment. Let’s give them a round of applause,” he says.

“And let us thank the Northeastern faculty and staff who supported you. Give them a round of applause, too.

“And, finally, Class of 2024, give yourselves a big round of applause. You have earned it.”

He continues:

“Your class has risen above every challenge and surpassed every measure of achievement — in the lab, through experiential opportunities, in collaborating with your mentors and classmates and in the solutions-oriented way you approach your research and scholarship.

“Your achievements underscore why our graduates are renowned and pursued by leading organizations and innovators worldwide. As scholars, leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and community citizens, you have not only reached new heights of excellence but also set a benchmark for future generations.”

Color guard, national anthem and Center for Spirituality

Chief marshal Christopher Bosso asks the graduates and their guests to stand as he introduces the color guard from Liberty Battalion, the ROTC command that is hosted by Northeastern.

Olivia Neville, a College of Science graduate, performs a beautiful rendition of the national anthem.

Bosso introduces Alex Levering Kern, director of the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue and Service.

“We gather today as people of many global faiths and secular traditions of conscience,” Kern says. “Before I offer our vocal prayer, please join me in a moment of silence so that each of us may reflect in our own way upon the year just past and the magnificent sweetness of this day.”

Faculty take the field, followed by President Aoun

The faculty procession is under way. It will be followed by an announcement that the party of President Joseph E. Aoun is entering the ballpark and advancing onto the stage. 

There are Northeastern touches throughout Fenway. Home plate has been covered by the university seal and the pitcher’s mound features a Northeastern logo. Northeastern banners are beaming from many of the scoreboards, including # Like A Husky on the left field wall.

David A. Thomas is the undergraduate speaker

David A. Thomas, president of Morehouse College, is the speaker for this afternoon’s undergraduate commencement.

Prior to taking the helm at Morehouse — a historically Black, men’s college in Atlanta — Thomas was a professor and dean at Harvard, Georgetown and the University of Pennsylvania. He’s led successful capital campaigns and consulted for corporations, nonprofits and governments around the world.

Welcome to Fenway, America’s oldest ballpark

Did you know that Fenway Park opened in 1912, one week after the sinking of the Titanic? Ever since then it has served as the home field of the Boston Red Sox (as well as the host of a variety of concerts as well as myriad sporting and cultural events).

The park has been refurbished and updated countless times while retaining the eccentric charm of its famed left-field wall (known as the Green Monster) and the jutting angles of its walls — all part of a ballpark that was squeezed into an urban neighborhood.

Prior to 2022, Northeastern held commencement at TD Garden before moving to the open-air environment of Fenway — which enables a larger number of guests to celebrate graduation.

Every mortarboard has a story. Check out these…

As is often the tradition, seniors celebrate commencement by showcasing their individuality and creativity on their mortarboards.

In anticipation of today’s big day, we caught up with a few students as they customized their caps.

One grad even evoked the words of the new queen of pop herself, Taylor Swift.

Mascots, selfies, high-fives and the best seats in the park

Students are waving at the livestream cameras as they enter the ballpark. Many are carrying flags. The mascots, Paws and Wally, are high-fiving grads and posing for selfies with them. 

On their way to their seats many grads are turning to point to their guests in the red seats of the Fenway grandstands. The most popular seats appear to be near the foul poles on each side of the ballpark. 

After the ceremony, the graduates will leave Fenway Park and gather with their many “fans” on Jersey Street.

Commencements also planned for our global campuses

Over 50,000 people are expected to fill Fenway Park for today’s graduate and undergraduate ceremonies. Commencements are also planned for Northeastern’s global campuses, including Seattle, Silicon Valley and Vancouver this week.

The Oakland campus held its commencement last week with graduating senior Samantha Onate addressing her fellow graduates.

“The pandemic introduced unprecedented obstacles to our college experience, yet through resilience and perseverance, we prevailed,” she said, adding “That’s a clapping moment.”

Chief marshal leads procession of graduates into Fenway

Chief marshal Christopher Bosso, carrying the university mace, is leading the student procession onto the field.

The outfield grass has been blanketed with a floor of white tiles. The graduates will be taking in their ceremony from eight sections of chairs facing the stage, marked by Northeastern logos and sandwiched by a pair of video boards.

Live music during this prelude will be provided by Majestic Brass, Wind Ensemble and the Northeastern Pep Band.

It’s going to take approximately 70 minutes for everyone to march in and be seated.

Hockey star Megan Carter is the graduate student speaker

Megan Carter is the student speaker for this morning’s graduate commencement.

The captain of the women’s hockey team, she helped Northeastern reach three NCAA Frozen Fours while earning dual degrees and completing two co-ops at Boston hospitals.

She expects to play in the Professional Women’s Hockey League as a high draft pick next season, to be followed by a medical career.

The NSF director is the speaker for the graduate ceremony

National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan will be the speaker at this morning’s graduate commencement.

Panchanathan, a computer scientist and engineer, was named director of the NSF in June 2020. The NSF, which has a budget of about $9.5 billion, is an independent federal agency charged with advancing scientific discovery, technological innovation and STEM education in the United States.

Panchanathan is no stranger to Northeastern. He spoke at the grand opening of the university’s 357,000-square-foot EXP research complex in the fall.

Fenway Park is open and the pre-show is underway

The doors to Fenway Park are open. Guests are arriving through Gates A, D and E.

The concessions are also open and a slideshow of commencement week activities is playing on the Jumbotron in center field.

The emcees for the pre-show are Sebastian Chavez Da Silva and Kelsey Hanle, both 2024 College of Engineering graduates.

Northeastern’s Kinematix Dance Troupe and Revolve Dance Crew are joined on the field by the New England Bhangra Club, Rangila & NakhRAAS and Kaliente Dance Group.

Of course, Paws and Wally, everyone’s favorite mascots, are interacting with guests and students.

Welcome to Northeastern’s 122nd commencement!

The long-awaited day has arrived. Welcome to Northeastern University’s 122nd commencement.

The graduate ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and the undergraduate ceremony at 4 p.m.

Northeastern Global News is here at Fenway Park providing live updates throughout the day.

The graduate ceremony will feature addresses by National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan and student Megan Carter.

The undergraduate ceremony will feature addresses by Morehouse College President David A. Thomas and student Rebecca Bamidele.

Northeastern President Joseph E. Aoun. will deliver remarks in the morning and afternoon.