Plymouth State University celebrates 155th commencement

PLYMOUTH — Plymouth State University celebrated its 155th undergraduate commencement on Saturday, May 9, 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 685 students were honored during the ceremony. Graduate and doctorate degrees were awarded in a separate ceremony on Friday, May 8.

“You’ve done this work in a world that has not been standing still. You’ve adapted, persisted and moved forward through challenges and change, including the rapid growth of AI, a powerful tool you must master, but not a replacement for the skills you have developed here,” PSU President Donald L. Birx, Ph.D., told ceremony participants. “You know how to contribute, lead and serve in thoughtful and meaningful ways. As you leave this place, carry that with you.”

Alumna and domestic and sexual violence survivor advocate Tina Schumacher delivered the undergraduate ceremony’s keynote address after the university conferred her Granite State Award, which honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to New Hampshire.

For the past 17 years, Schumacher has worked with Voices Against Violence, supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence and leading trauma-informed education and prevention programs for students and youth. Her work centers on helping survivors rebuild their lives in safe and supportive environments.

In her remarks, Schumacher shared 10 life lessons she picked up along the way, and her transformative experience as a student at PSU.

“My time at Plymouth State has been, and continues to be, fundamental to my transformation as a person,” Schumacher told graduating seniors. “When I came to New Hampshire about 30 years ago, I had none of the essentials we tend to take for granted, such as a job, car, money, friends or an education. What I did have was family that stood by me when I left an abusive relationship and two young children that needed me to succeed.”

Class of 2026 President Hannah Lowell called on her fellow graduates during her address to build a better world by fighting for higher education, the arts and human rights.

A graduate ceremony took place on the previous evening, Friday, May 8, in the Bank of New Hampshire Field House. Longtime President and CEO of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Richard “Dick” Ober delivered a commencement address to the 184 graduates.

A 1983 graduate of Plymouth State, Ober has led the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation since 2010, expanding its scope to manage more than $1 billion in charitable funds. With more than 40 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and civic affairs, Ober has held senior roles with the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and the Monadnock Conservancy. He co-founded the Community Foundation Opportunity Network, chaired CF Leads, and has served on the board of the Center for Effective Philanthropy.

“As New Hampshire changes, our sense of mutual dependence must become as strong as our independence — or we will lose both,” Ober said.

To learn more about Plymouth State University, visit plymouth.edu.