Maggie Goodlander

“Her distinguished career offers a powerful example of leadership in action,” he said, “and I am confident her message will resonate deeply with our graduates as they prepare to make their own meaningful contributions to their communities and our democracy.”

Goodlander — who has made headlines in recent months as one of the six Democratic lawmakers whom the Trump administration sought to indict over their brief video calling on military personnel to “refuse illegal orders” — said in a statement that NEC was founded 80 years ago in “a moment of national need” to serve veterans after World War II, and today’s graduates are stepping into another such moment.

“My message is simple: America needs you,” she said. “Your ideas, your courage, your kindness. Now more than ever. Show up.”

Also this weekend, Southern New Hampshire University, a private institution that serves students on campus and online, will hold five ceremonies in Manchester, N.H., starting Friday afternoon, with speeches from SNHU graduates and staff rather than from outside guests or keynote speakers.

Jerry Demecillo Tambiling, who just finished his bachelor’s degree in business, is planning to deliver remarks at Friday’s ceremony to praise his classmates for their persistence and encourage them to maintain a sense of gratitude, according to a copy of his prepared speech.

“You are proof that beginnings do not determine endings,” he’ll say. “You are proof that dreams do not expire.”

Here’s a rundown of additional speakers and honorees at upcoming commencement ceremonies in New Hampshire:

May 8

Richard “Dick” Ober, the retiring president and CEO of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, will address the Plymouth State University graduate commencement ceremony. He’ll receive an honorary doctorate.

May 9

Tina Schumacher, who has worked to support victims of domestic and sexual violence and promote trauma-informed education and prevention, will address the PSU undergraduate ceremony.

Three leaders in health care and biomedical technology will receive special honors at the commencement for Franklin Pierce University in Rindge: Dartmouth Health President and CEO Joanne Conroy will receive an honorary doctorate, while Julie Lenzer and Dr. Jennifer MacDonald will receive “Citizen Leader” awards.

Democratic US Senator Maggie Hassan and Melinda Treadwell will speak at the Keene State College commencement. Hassan will receive an honorary doctorate. Treadwell, who previously served as KSC’s president, will receive the Granite State Award, the institution’s highest non‑degree honor.

Brandon Arvesen, an assistant professor of creative and professional writing, will deliver the keynote commencement address at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, as the recipient of the Jack Jensen Award for Excellence in Teaching, the college’s highest faculty honor. Lisa Hogarty, the outgoing chair of the college’s board of trustees, will receive a medal for distinguished service.

May 15

Rebecca Rule, an author and humorist known for her work with New Hampshire PBS and the New Hampshire Humanities Council, will speak at commencement for the University of New Hampshire graduate school.

Charles McIntyre, executive director of the New Hampshire Lottery and Gaming Commission, will deliver the keynote address at the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law commencement.

Amanda Grappone Osmer, president and chief vision officer for Grappone Automotive Group, will be the keynote speaker for commencement at NHTI, Concord’s Community College.

Nicole McFarlane, a student graduating with her associate degree in nursing, will serve as the student speaker for the Great Bay Community College commencement.

Margaret “Peg” Sullivan, a nurse practitioner who works as an adjunct professor at River Valley Community College, will serve as RVCC’s graduation speaker. Faculty member Steven Zackowski and students Jeremy Patten and Jacqueline McGrath will speak as well.

Robert Scott, a graduate of White Mountains Community College, who was recently promoted to serve as superintendent of the White Mountains Regional School District, will be the speaker for WMCC’s commencement.

May 16

Tom Hayes, the recently retired former president and CEO of Ocean Spray, will deliver the commencement address for UNH undergraduate ceremonies. “My time in Durham gave me lifelong friends and taught me the value of balance and being open to possibilities,” he said. “I hope I can inspire the same in this year’s graduates.”

Dana Hamel, a businessman who died last year after establishing a scholarship fund for UNH students and making significant contributions to the institution, will be posthumously awarded UNH’s Granite State Award and celebrated.

Father Edwin Leahy, the long-serving head of Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, N.J., will deliver the commencement address at Saint Anselm College, a private Catholic institution. Leahy will receive an honorary degree, as will two alumni: Lisa Kennedy‐Sheldon and Jeffery T. Burke.

Lakes Region Community College will host its commencement at The Colonial Theatre in Laconia.

May 17

Julie Demers, executive director of the New Hampshire Tech Alliance, will deliver the commencement address at Rivier University and receive an honorary degree on behalf of the alliance. The Nashua-based Catholic institution will host its ceremony in Lowell, Mass.

May 18

Kyle Moschen, a 2017 graduate of Nashua Community College who works in public relations in Seattle, will speak at NCC’s commencement.

May 19

Allison Joseph, executive director of MY TURN, a Manchester-based nonprofit that works with vulnerable youth and adults, will speak at commencement for Manchester Community College.

The closer

This season’s closing act will follow on June 14, when former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Rachel Dratch delivers her speech to graduates at Dartmouth College, her alma mater. Dratch and six others will receive honorary degrees.