HAVERHILL — Planning for the 64th annual commencement ceremony at Northern Essex Community College is underway.
The event will be held on the Haverhill campus on May 16 at 11 a.m. More than 500 students and their families will gather for the occasion.
The featured speaker will be former Gov. Charlie Baker, a nationally respected leader in public service and higher education. Baker served as the 72nd governor of Massachusetts from 2015 to 2023 and is now president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
“Throughout his career in public service, Gov. Baker has demonstrated a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening education and workforce pathways,” said NECC President Lane Glenn. “His leadership and pragmatic approach to solving complex challenges have made a lasting impact across Massachusetts and beyond. I look forward to Gov. Baker sharing his insights and inspiration with the Class of 2026.”
Of his many accomplishments during his tenure, Baker expanded Early College partnerships and started the Commonwealth Commitment, which provides tuition and admission benefits to community college students under the MassTransfer Program
Known for his bipartisan leadership style, Baker consistently ranked among the nation’s most popular governors.
The ceremony will also feature a student speaker selected by faculty and staff and the presentation of awards, including the Social Justice Award and Emeritus.
To learn more about commencement, visit necc.edu/current-students/student-resources/commencement-information/.