Skip to main content

SNHU Announces 2018 Commencement Speakers

Lauren Keane

Program will include 4 ceremonies over two days in Manchester, NH

Manchester, N.H. (April 13, 2018) - Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) will celebrate its 86th Commencement on the weekend of May 12-13, 2018. More than 22,000 family, friends and community members will join SNHU in celebrating nearly 6,000 graduates in four ceremonies at the SNHU Arena. The University will award more than 18,600 degrees worldwide this year.

Commencement speakers and ceremony details include:

Saturday, May 12

  • 10 a.m. | Campus & SNHU Online students

    Dan Shaughnessy, sports reporter and columnist for the Boston Globe. Author of several books including "The Curse of the Bambino" and "Reversing the Curse," and a regular contributor to ESPN. In 2016, he was awarded the J.G. Taylor Spink Award by the Baseball Hall of Fame.

    Student speaker: Elle Tibbitts, Bachelor of Science in Economics & Finance, Bachelor of Science in Math

  • 2:30 p.m. | SNHU Online & College for America students

    Azmat Khan, award-winning journalist and Fellow at New America Foundation. Her recent piece in the New York Times Magazine, The Uncounted, won the 2018 National Magazine Award. Her investigative reporting has taken her to Iraq, Egypt, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones, and her work has won a number of awards including: the Daniel Pearl Award for Outstanding Reporting on South Asia, the Deadline Club Award for Independent Digital Reporting, and other honors.

    Student speaker: Moira Collins, Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing

Sunday, May 13

  • 10 a.m. | SNHU Online students

    Mayor Eric Garcetti, an American politician currently serving as the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles. Prior to becoming Mayor, Garcetti served as President of the Los Angeles City Council and represented the 13th district of Los Angeles. He studied as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford and the London School of Economics and taught at Occidental College and USC. He also served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 2005 to 2018.

    Student speaker: April Cutler, Bachelor of Science in Accounting

  • 2:30 p.m. | SNHU Online students

    Dr. Vince Patton, retired Master Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard. Patton served our country for more than 30 years and was the first African American to be selected as Master Chief Petty Officer. Patton earned a Doctorate of Education from American University while on active duty. His military awards include the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, three Coast Guard Achievement Medals and numerous others.

    Student speaker: Sierra Ingram, Master of Science in Accounting

About Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 85-year history of educating traditional-age students and working adults. Now serving more than 100,000 students worldwide, SNHU offers more than 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as the "Most Innovative" regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each student. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.

Contact:
Lauren Keane
Southern New Hampshire University
Office: 603.645.9789 | Cell: 203.695.2264
l.keane@snhu.edu

Explore more content like this article

President, Lisa Marsh Ryerson

Lisa Marsh Ryerson Becomes the 6th President of Southern New Hampshire University

Press Release
Lisa Marsh Ryerson, a trusted leader with vast experience in higher education and nonprofit management, began her tenure today as the sixth president of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Ryerson, who previously served on the SNHU Board of Trustees for six years before taking on the role of university provost in 2022, succeeds Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc who announced his decision to step down late last year following 21 years of transformational leadership.
SNHU President Paul LeBlanc standing in front of the campus SETA facility, now named the Paul J. LeBlanc Hall.

SNHU School Of Engineering, Technology and Aeronautics Building Named to Honor President Paul LeBlanc

Press Release
The SNHU Board of Trustees named the School of Engineering, Technology and Aeronautics (SETA) facility, the "Paul J. LeBlanc Hall," honoring the impact President Paul LeBlanc has made on the university. It is one way the SNHU community is coming together in LeBlanc’s final weeks as president.
SNHU Campus Green Space

President's & Dean's List Spring 2024

Press Release
It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) recognizes the following students' academic achievement in being named to the President and Dean's List for the Spring 2024 semester.

About Southern New Hampshire University

Two students walking in front of Monadnock Hall

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.