Framingham Mayor Joins Commissioner For FSU Commencement Address

FRAMINGHAM, MA—Mayor Yvonne Spicer and Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Carlos Santiago gives the commencement addresses during this year’s undergraduate and graduate ceremonies on May 20, the university announced on Tuesday.

Spicer was elected the first mayor of the City of Framingham in the last election. She is also the first African American woman to be popularly elected as mayor in Massachusetts history. A longtime educator, Spicer was most recently the vice president for advocacy and educational partnerships at Boston’s Museum of Science.

“FSU’s connection to Framingham dates back to 1853 so it’s truly an honor for us to host the very first mayor of the City of Framingham,” President F. Javier Cevallos said in a statement. “Dr. Spicer’s historic election captivated our community and her commitment to public service and education is inspiring. I know our graduates will be excited to hear from her.”

Spicer will be presented with the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service from the University during the ceremony, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 20, at the DCU Center in Worcester.

Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Carlos Santiago will give the commencement address during the graduate ceremony at 2 p.m. that day. Santiago was appointed by Governor Charlie Baker in July 2015.

Commissioner Santiago will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from FSU during the graduate ceremony.

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