Franklin Pierce University Celebrates Graduates at 59th Commencement Exercises
May 11, 2024
On Saturday, May 11, 2024, Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, N.H., hosted its 59th Commencement. The event brought together the Class of 2024 graduates, faculty, staff, and guests. President Kim Mooney ’83 extended a warm welcome to the graduates, their families and friends, alumni, Board of Trustees members, honored guests, and everyone joining through the livestream.
“Welcome to Franklin Pierce University’s 59th Commencement and congratulations to the Class of 2024,” said President Mooney. “Congratulations on your academic and personal accomplishments throughout your education at Franklin Pierce and on earning your degrees. Today, you will take more significant more steps at Franklin Pierce, because as you walk across the stage this morning, just as I did 41 years ago, you will join me and other proud alumni of this University.”
The University bestowed two honorary doctoral degrees and presented the Honorable Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award.
A distinguished leader in sports law and a fervent advocate for educational and athletic equity, Janet P. Judge was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Her impressive career spans over three decades, during which she has adeptly navigated the complex intersections of higher education, legal advocacy, and sports administration. A four-time recipient of the Best Lawyers in America Sports Lawyer of the Year award, most recently in 2024 for Boston, Ms. Judge’s excellence in her field is universally acknowledged. As co-founder of the Education & Sports Law Group, LLC, Ms. Judge has diligently served a diverse range of higher education institutions, including Franklin Pierce University, and NCAA conferences. Her expertise in NCAA compliance, civil rights issues, and specifically Title IX athletic equity compliance, has established new standards in the field. Her involvement in developing the NCAA’s Gender Equity Manual and her ongoing efforts to create impactful training materials underscore her commitment to fostering fair and safe environments in collegiate athletics.
“Last night, the skies appeared to celebrate your journey and all that you have accomplished together,” noted Judge. “Take the time to explore those intrinsic values that brought you to this point in your lives and that will guide you as you venture out on your next great adventure. And please do not forget to give yourself grace – to take the time to remind yourself that you are enough, that you are valuable, that you are and forever will be a member of the great Franklin Pierce Class of 2024.”
World–renowned musician Tom Rush was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. A native of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, he is widely regarded and credited by Rolling Stone magazine with pioneering the singer-songwriter era. His 1968 song “No Regrets” has received universal acclaim and been covered by artists including Emmylou Harris and U2. Rush also played a key role in launching the careers of icons like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Jackson Browne, while also influencing artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Tracy Chapman, and Garth Brooks. His Club47® initiative seeks to foster the development of the next generation of musicians through collaboration between established artists and emerging musicians. For seven decades, Rush has used his place at the intersection of the arts and social commentary to address complex issues, highlighting the role of artists as both influencers of public sentiment and recorders of their era. His career demonstrates that music's power extends beyond entertainment; it also serves to reflect and influence societal narratives.
True to his profession, Rush performed his 1970 classic “Child’s Song”, which tells the story of a young man leaving home.
“Thanks for all you done it may sound hollow. Thank you for the good times that we've known,” sang Rush, as graduates and families welled up with tears. “But I must find my own road now to follow. You will all be welcome in my home.”
The Honorable Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award was created to honor the late governor and second president of Franklin Pierce and his lifelong commitment to public service and higher education in the state of New Hampshire. This year’s award was presented to Sheriff Eliezer “Eli” Rivera ’97. Sheriff Rivera made history in 2012 as the first person of color to be elected as the High Sheriff of Cheshire County, New Hampshire. Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Rivera has been at the forefront of developing and implementing a community-focused strategy within the sheriff's department, emphasizing respect, strong community relationships, service, and equity in law enforcement practices. An outspoken advocate for human rights, Sheriff Rivera has dedicated his efforts to addressing systemic racism, LGBTQ rights, and immigration issues, including testifying against legislation harmful to undocumented individuals. He plays an active role in the Monadnock Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coalition and leads the Law Enforcement Committee. His collaborative work with Franklin Pierce University on race and policing issues underscores his commitment to justice and community engagement. Rivera earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Franklin Pierce College in 1997.
“Like Walter Peterson, I do what I do, because of my ‘why,’ and I expect nothing in return, and I am so honored to continue the Honorable Walter Peterson’s legacy,” shared Rivera. “So, as you move on to a new chapter in your life journey, find your ‘why.’ Don’t settle for ‘what’ I do. instead dig deep and find your ‘why’ – ‘why’ you do what you do. Don’t let anyone define your ‘why’ and your story. It’s yours define and to tell.”
The University was proud to confer 442 degrees, including doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees. Among the students recognized was valedictorian Madeline Ward. Originally from Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Maddie majored in Biology while also earning minors in Spanish and Chemistry. A member of the University's Honors Program, Maddie served as a tutor in chemistry in the Student Success Center and assisted students as a writing tutor at the Wensburg Writing Center. She also worked as a research assistant in Dr. Shallee Page’s research lab studying bacteriophages. Maddie was a four-year member of the Franklin Pierce University Women’s Volleyball Team. Maddie completed her degree in December 2023 and has recently begun employment at Harvard University Medical School as a research assistant in the Oyler-Yaniv Lab, with future plans of attending medical school.
“I know I’m not alone in saying that Franklin Pierce brought me friends that I will have for life, teammates that became like family, and a supportive community that fosters academic, athletic, and personal growth,” said Ms. Ward.
“[W]e received more than just an education,” she added. “We’ve faced challenges and learned from our failures, embraced our inexperience and taken chances, learned to do what we love and confidently strive for our goals, and most importantly, through the accumulated wisdom of friends, family, professors, and teammates over the years, we have acquired the tools needed to create our futures.”
President Mooney, who is set to retire at the end of June, closed the ceremony by welcoming the graduates as official alumni of Franklin Pierce.
“We are forever connected to one another and to Franklin Pierce,” she emphasized. “This incredibly special University, our alma mater. May you always carry it in your hearts.”
A recording of the Commencement Ceremony and additional photos from the event will be available for viewing at franklinpierce.edu/commencement.
