Franklin Pierce University Celebrates Student Success at Commencement Ceremony
May 10, 2025
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Franklin Pierce University celebrated the Class of 2025, bringing together graduates, families, faculty, staff, and guests on the Rindge Campus. President Dr. Peter Eden extended a warm welcome to the graduates, their families and friends, alumni, Board of Trustees members, honored guests, and everyone joining through a livestream.
“Welcome to Franklin Pierce University’s May Commencement ceremony and congratulations to the Class of 2025,” said President Eden. “We thank all those who helped organize this important event and especially thank the families and friends of our new graduates, for all they have done to support these learners. Graduates, you now know that resilience, perseverance, willingness to sacrifice, and, simply, hard work will result in success – whether it is in the classroom, the lab or clinic, the athletics field, or other. The world is ever-changing, and increasingly challenging; therefore, we need bright, adaptive, and courageous young people like you to take charge and stand up for what you believe in. We need you to help others, to insist on fairness and honesty, to not stop at the water’s edge when you see that action is needed. We are relying on you to make our society better. You possess all of the qualities and competencies needed to do just that. Congratulations on this important step of your life’s journey, and remember your time here at Franklin Pierce University, as you are forever a Raven."
The University bestowed an honorary doctoral degree and presented the Honorable Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award at this year’s ceremony.
This year’s honorary degree was awarded posthumously to Frederick W. Pierce IV, former Chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and longtime supporter of Franklin Pierce’s commitment to student success. Fred passed away in San Diego, CA after a brief illness in June 2024, leaving behind a legacy of significant leadership and commitment. Christine Pierce, accompanied by daughter Riley, accepted the honor on behalf of her husband.
Mr. Pierce spent his career in real estate investment, development, consulting, finance, and acquisition. Since 1995, he served as the President, CEO, and principal shareholder of Pierce Education Properties, L.P. (“PEP”), a Top 25 national owner, operator, and developer of student housing.
Pierce’s tenure on the Board was marked by leadership and unwavering commitment. Fred is remembered for his energy, generosity to Pierce and many other institutions, and deep-rooted belief in education.
The Honorable Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award was created to honor the late New Hampshire governor, second president of Franklin Pierce and his lifelong commitment to public service and higher education. This year’s award was presented to James T. McKim, Jr., a consultant, facilitator, author, frequent conference presenter, and guest on radio and television shows focusing on the topic of organizational performance.
Mr. McKim is well-versed in the effects public policy can have on organizations and individuals and believes strongly in giving back to the community. He is Chair of the Episcopal Church’s National Executive Council Committee on Anti-Racism. He serves in leadership roles on several Boards including New Hampshire Public Broadcasting, Global Citizens Circle Board, and is Past President of the Manchester Branch of the NAACP.
At the event, the University conferred 460 degrees at the doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate levels. Among the students recognized was valedictorian Rachel Strout. Originally from Bath, New Hampshire, Rachel majored in Secondary Education and in English, with a minor in Modelling Mathematics and with a certificate in Women, Gender, and Leadership.
During her time at Pierce, Rachel worked as Community Assistant and as a tutor at the Student Success Center. She was the president of SISTUHS, an active member of Pierce Activities Council (PAC), as well as the secretary of Education Club and the Vice President of her class in the Student Government Association. Rachel was also a four-year member and captain of the Raven Thunder Dance Team and played the piccolo in the Marching Band. She was inducted into the Phi Lambda Theta Honor Society and Sigma Zeta Honor Society and served as President of Franklin Pierce's chapter of Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society. She plans to pursue a career as a high school English teacher.
“Please remember what you learned – and I don’t mean in the classroom. Most of us came to college to get our degrees to help us pursue our goals. Along the way, we learned skills, such as time management, as we figured out which clubs and classes took priority. We also learned those things we were passionate about, regardless of their relevance to our majors. It is those passions I want to focus on. Please remind yourself of these passions, use them to propel you forward. Keep these passions close, and continue with them in whatever way you can,” shared Strout.
“I learned many of my passions here on the FPU Rindge Campus,” she continued. “I learned new things about myself. I am a dancer. I am a leader. I am an advocate. Now, we can all add college graduate to that list. This is a part of us. We are college graduates.”
President Eden, who was also celebrating his first commencement at Pierce after joining the University last July, closed the ceremony by sharing his thoughts on the event, the institution, and the promise of our newest graduates as they set out to change the world.
A recording of the Commencement Ceremony and additional photos from the event will be available soon at franklinpierce.edu/commencement.
