Plymouth State University Celebrates 154th Commencement
Plymouth State University (PSU) celebrated its 154th undergraduate commencement on Saturday, May 10, at the Bank of New Hampshire Field House of the Active Living, Learning, and Wellness (ALLWell) North Building on the PSU campus. A total of approximately 740 students were honored during the ceremony. Graduate and doctorate degrees were awarded in a separate ceremony on Friday evening, May 9, 2025.
A total of approximately 740 students were honored during Plymouth State University’s 154th undergraduate commencement on Saturday, May 10.
“You’ve navigated the hybrid world, and now you’re stepping into one that’s increasingly digital and global, and let’s face it, more than a little bit crazy,” PSU President Donald L. Birx, Ph.D., told ceremony participants. “But whatever the challenges, whatever the future brings, we know this: you’ll turn them into opportunities. You won’t just adapt, you’ll lead. You won’t just return to ‘normal,’ you’ll create something better.”
A total of approximately 740 students were honored during Plymouth State University’s 154th undergraduate commencement on Saturday, May 10. Chris Gloninger (shown in photo), an Emmy-award-winning meteorologist and 2006 PSU meteorology alumnus, delivered the undergraduate ceremony’s keynote address after the university conferred him an honorary Doctor of Science degree.
Chris Gloninger, an Emmy-award-winning meteorologist and 2006 PSU meteorology alumnus, delivered the undergraduate ceremony’s keynote address after the university conferred him an honorary Doctor of Science degree. Gloninger recounted his decision to leave a position as chief meteorologist at a Des Moines TV station after harassments and threats from some viewers over his coverage of climate change resulted in the station’s decision to cease its climate change coverage. He emphasized the importance of being true to yourself and what you believe in, and to be a “helper” guided by courage and empathy.
“You will face adversity, but stand up for what’s right, even when it costs you something,” Gloninger said. “As journalists, we’re taught that every story has a who, what, where, when, and why. I wasn’t going to leave out the ‘why,’ so I left the job instead. But I also gave up a career I loved and a paycheck that made life comfortable.”
Student Body President Olivia Griffin and Student Body Secretary Lexia Stanley also gave remarks. Griffin spoke about the shared history of the graduating class and ties that bind people together, as colleagues, friends or found family.
A total of approximately 740 students were honored during Plymouth State University’s 154th undergraduate commencement on Saturday, May 10. (Shown in photo): Class of 2025 president Olivia Griffin addresses fellow graduates.
Two-hundred-twenty-two graduate students participated in a graduate ceremony on the previous evening, Friday, May 9 in the Bank of New Hampshire Field House. Sheryl Shirley, Ph.D., former commissioner of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights, professor emerita of Political Science at Plymouth State University and current chair of Transport Central, a nonprofit transportation service that operates in the greater Plymouth region, addressed master’s and doctoral degree recipients at the ceremony.
“I challenge you to continue learning, building connections, and cultivating empathy, so that you may effect change,” Shirley said. “We need your energy, your skills, and your humanitarianism to meet the challenges facing our communities, the Granite State and the nation.”
The university awarded Shirley its Granite State Award to honor her contributions to the state of New Hampshire its citizens.
To learn more about Plymouth State University, visit www.plymouth.edu.
Video footage of Chris Gloninger’s address to graduates available here: https://we.tl/t-Vh3wSpSAnO
About Plymouth State University: Established in 1871, Plymouth State University serves the state of New Hampshire and the world beyond by transforming our students through advanced practices where engaged learning produces well-educated undergraduates, and by providing graduate education that deepens and advances knowledge and enhances professional development. The Plymouth State Cluster Learning Model emphasizes open, integrative, and project-based experiences. With distinction, we connect with community and business partners for economic development, technological advances, healthier living, and cultural enrichment with a special commitment of service to the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire. To learn more about Plymouth State University, visit www.plymouth.edu.
