Dean College is honored to announce that the keynote speaker at its 158th Commencement Ceremony on May 18, 2024 will be Michael J. Bobbitt, the Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, who will also be receiving an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa. Additionally, Dean College will be presenting Former U.S. Ambassador to Croatia and Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations in Afghanistan, Peter W. Galbraith, with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

“This will be the second year in Dean College’s history to award honorary degrees to individuals who epitomize The Dean Difference, by caring for their community and making a positive impact in this world,” said President Kenneth Elmore. “We are so honored to bestow this distinction upon Mr. Bobbitt and Ambassador Galbraith, who have demonstrated a passionate commitment to the arts and public service throughout their illustrious careers.”

Bobbitt and Galbraith will be presented with their honorary degrees at Dean College’s 158thCommencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA. 

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on the front lawn of Dean Hall, along Awpie Way, and will occur rain or shine. Livestream options will be available for graduates, family, and friends who are unable to attend in person.

For more information about Dean College Commencement, visit www.dean.edu/commencement.