Simmons University Celebrates its 117th Commencement

Boston, Mass. (May 24, 2022) – Simmons University celebrated the Class of 2022 during its annual undergraduate and two graduate commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 20. The institution is awarding about 300 baccalaureate degrees and more than 1,800 graduate degrees this academic year.

Simmons graduates donned caps and gowns, and family members flooded the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston’s Seaport District, where the ceremonies took place. Simmons faculty and staff were also on hand to celebrate the graduates’ many accomplishments during this 117th commencement ceremony in Simmons history.

Vice Chair of the Simmons University Board of Trustees Roberto “Bert” Ifill, brother of the late Gwen Ifill, initiated the ceremony and recognized Simmons students’ ability to thrive in challenging times.

Ifill praised graduates’ perseverance, grit, and leadership in the face of an unprecedented global pandemic. “Your leadership of yourselves, your peers, and Simmons have helped us all get to this day,” Ifill said.

This occasion marked University President Lynn Wooten’s first in-person commencement ceremony with Simmons. Wooten praised the graduating class for following their passions and paving the road for a bright future.

“The Class of 2022 has continually impressed me with its desire and courage to carve out a career and a life’s path that has purpose and meaning,” Wooten said. “You have made me proud of your scholarship, your service, and your enthusiasm for athletics, music, art, and dance. You are smart, idealistic, and successful, and you demonstrate the everyday leadership the world needs right now.”

The undergraduate ceremony also featured inspiring poetry by Political Science major Hailey Tran, while Emma LingXue Keeling served as the Class of 2022 student speaker – delivering a powerful essay about the ways in which we experience the concept of home.

During the undergraduate ceremony, award-winning filmmaker, producer, and social justice advocate Dawn Porter was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Arts Degree. Recognized in the entertainment industry as a leader in the art of storytelling, Porter has directed and/or produced over half a dozen films, including the critically acclaimed documentary “John Lewis: Good Trouble” – the story of the congressman and civil rights icon.

During the ceremony, Porter shared a clip from that documentary and spoke to students about the power of education, the importance of truth-seeking, and the vital role each individual has in creating a more just future.

“We can’t just look to our politicians and our leaders to make the change we want. It’s incumbent upon all of us, and change is hard,” Porter said. “I hope you all will find ways large and small to get into some good trouble wherever you can.”

Porter also praised students for their excitement and passion, and she encouraged them to bring this strong spirit of joy that is so needed out into their worlds.

“I see a bit of John Lewis in you all today, celebrating each other and cheering for each other, and the excitement with which you are greeting the future,” Porter said. “Congratulations on everything that you have accomplished and for everything that you will do.”

During the first graduate commencement ceremony, former Boston Mayor Kim Michelle Janey, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, encouraged students to use their talents and skills to help lift up those who have been left behind.

“You, the class of 2022 are working to close the digital divide, to promote racial equity, to change the world for the better,” Janey said. “You are helping to create a more just and a more equitable future. ...You are more than ready to take on the challenges ahead.”

Later in the day during the second graduate commencement ceremony, Byllye Yvonne Avery received an honorary Doctor of Public Health Degree for her longtime leadership in the advancement of Black women’s health. In her remarks to students, Avery urged students to continually think about their purpose and the things they are meant to do.

“We live in some challenging times,” Avery said. “Find your passion…be politically involved… and learn to love yourself.”

Simmons awarded two additional honorary degrees: artist and activist Dana C. Chandler received a Doctor of Fine Arts Degree; and politician and educator Melvin Herbert King, Sr. received a Doctor of Public Service Degree.

In addition, the Joan Melber Warburg, ’45 Leadership Award, which recognizes a member of the senior class who exemplifies the highest ideals of leadership, was awarded to Cassidy Clark, in recognition of her extensive service-oriented leadership during her studies at Simmons.