Commencement 2026
Commencement 2026
91 held its 61st Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9,
2026 at 10:15 am (EDT) on the Rindge, N.H. Campus. The ceremony recording is embedded
below.
Commencement 2026 Photos available for viewing and download
The University had three photographers hired to take photos for this year's Commencement. Photos are now available to download at no charge. .
The photo each graduate in attendance took holding the diploma cover in front of the
FPU background as they came off the stage was done by Grad Images. They will reach
out to each about purchasing that photo as part of a package. Grad Images also provided
some photos to the University and those have been added to the online album.
Congratulations, Ravens!
The program book for the 2026 Commencement Ceremony is also available to download.
Recording of the 91 Commencement Ceremony from May 9, 2026.
Commencement, ceremonies & additional Information
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, 91 (FPU) celebrated the Class of 2026, bringing together graduates, families, faculty, staff, alumni, Board of Trustees members, and honored guests on the lakeside Rindge Campus as well as via livestream. This year’s ceremony also included recognition of the first cohort of Pierce’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, launched in January of 2024. Read more about the ceremony and see photos.
91 (FPU) will award an honorary doctorate to Joanne Conroy, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Dartmouth Health, at FPU’s 61st Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9.
FPU will also bestow the Honorable Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award to two individuals, Julie Lenzer, M.P.S., and Jennifer MacDonald, M.D., during Commencement. The award is named for New Hampshire’s distinguished 72nd governor and the second president of 91. Read more.
91 is proud to announce that Kaitlyn Bossart has earned the distinction of being named Valedictorian for the Class of 2026, and Martina Špačková has been named the class's Salutatorian. These two outstanding undergraduate students will be formally recognized at the University's Baccalaureate Ceremony and Commencement Exercises on May 8 and May 9 on the Rindge Campus. Read more.
Please see the map below. A PDF can be viewed here.

Registration for ADA/Accessible parking is closed.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please email Dr. Zauyah Waite,
Dean of Students, at waitez@franklinpierce.edu.
Rindge students can pick up regalia in the Registrar’s Office, on the 5th floor of the Library during the following times:
- Monday, May 4, 10 am – 3 pm
- Tuesday, May 5, 10 am – 3 pm
- Wednesday, May 6, 10 am – 3 pm
- Thursday, May 7, 10 am – 3 pm
- Friday, May 8, 10 am – 3 pm
Any caps and gowns that aren’t picked up will be available in Room 126 in Marcucella Hall on Saturday, May 9. We look forward to celebrating Commencement with you!
91 is committed to ensuring a barrier-free Commencement ceremony for all graduates.
If you require any mobility-related accommodations or assistance to participate in the ceremony (e.g., wheelchair-accessible seating, ramp access to the stage, assistance with long distances, or proximity to a specific area due to a recent injury), please contact studentaffairs@franklinpierce.edu.
As we prepare to celebrate Commencement, we kindly remind all graduates and guests
that pets are not permitted on Sodexo Field during the ceremony.
For the safety and well-being of animals, it is also strongly discouraged to leave
pets in vehicles, as temperatures can rise quickly and create unsafe conditions.
Service animals are welcome in accordance with applicable guidelines.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
If you are in need of a Lactation Space, please visit the Dean of Students Office Space on the 2nd Floor of Peterson Manor. There is a small table, love seat, chair, and wipes for your use. There is also a bathroom located down the hall. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Zauyah Waite at studentaffairs@franklinpierce.edu.
Graduates Line-Up at 8:30 & 9 am
All OFF CAMPUS graduating students should line up at 8:30 am
All RINDGE graduating students should line up at 9 am
Line-up is in Marcucella Hall on Saturday, May 9
Why? Due to high traffic volume, this allows ample time for those who are commuting to the Rindge Campus to get to the ceremony on time.
PLEASE NOTE: Commencement is a “rain or shine” ceremony each year with outdoor seating. A livestream will be available for anyone who cannot attend in person, and will be shown in Petrocelli and Spagnuolo Hall during the ceremony for those who prefer indoor seating.
The Honors Convocation Ceremony was held on the Rindge Campus in Spagnuolo Hall on Friday, May 1 at 3:30 pm. A recap of the ceremony, as well as photos and a recording are available here.
The Baccalaureate Ceremony for the Class of 2026 was held in Spagnuolo Hall on the Rindge Campus on Friday, May 8 at 4:30 pm. Photos and a recording of the event can be viewed here.
Commencement Rehearsal for Rindge undergraduate students took place Friday, May 8 at 10 am at the Commencement Site - Sodexo Field.
For any questions, please contact Rebecca Weidner (weidnerr@franklinpierce.edu).
Friday, April 17: Red Sox Game
Bus departs DiGregorio Parking lot at 4:30 pm. 75 tickets available.
Trip cost for Seniors: $15.
Those signing up for this trip need to download the MLB ballpark app to receive transfer
of tickets.
Sunday, April 26: Boston Harbor Boat Cruise
Bus departs DiGregorio Parking lot at 4:45 pm. 85 tickets available.
Trip cost for Seniors: $30
Friday, May 1: Foxwoods Casino Trip
Bus departs DiGregorio Parking lot at 5:30 pm. 56 seats available.
No charge, but must sign up in advance - first come, first served.
Wednesday, May 6: Raven Recreation Ale Amble and Sip and Stroll
Starts and ends at Lakeside Education Center at 12 pm. Rain or shine, a fun run/walk/amble
up to the "FPU". Commemorative stemless wine glasses or steins provided along with
a refreshing beverage.
Thursday, May 7: Raven Recreation Sunrise Monadnock Hike
Bus departs from Lakeview Bus Stop at 3 am. 56 seats available
No sign up required. No fee.
Thursday, May 7: Senior Beach Party with DJ
Lakeside Education Center, 7 - 11 pm
Friday, May 8: Baccalaureate Ceremony
4:30 - 5:30 pm in Spagnuolo Hall
Additional info and line up details will be emailed
Payment for trips can be done with cash or Venmo to @Ravenrec. Please be sure to indicate what trip your payment is for. If paying for someone else, be sure to note that information as well. Your Venmo payment will automatically sign you up for the trip.
Cash payments can be made directly to Doug Carty (cartyd@franklinpierce.edu). You must pay to hold your spot!
Details will be posted once available.
The Arizona Doctor of Physical Therapy White Coat & Pinning Ceremony for the Class of 2026 was held on Saturday, February 28 from 10:30 am - 12 pm (MT) at Verrado High School, 20050 W. Indian School Road, Buckeye, AZ 85396.
Details will be posted once available.
Details will be posted once available.
The New Hampshire Master of Physician Assistant Studies Completion Ceremony for the Class of 2026 was held on Saturday, March 7 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Mansfield/Killington Room, 35 N. Labombard Road, Lebanon, NH. Read more and see photos.
The New Hampshire Doctor of Physical Therapy Hooding Ceremony for the Class of 2026 was held on Friday, February 27 from 1 - 3 pm (ET) at The Derryfield School, 2108 River Road, Manchester, NH 03104.
The event was livestreamed and a recording is available. View more photos and details.
The New Hampshire Doctor of Physical Therapy White Coat & Pinning Ceremony for the Class of 2027 was held on Friday, May 29. View photos and more information.
The Nursing Pinning & Hooding Ceremony for the MEPN Class of 2026 was held on Saturday, March 14 from 11 am - 12:30 pm at the University's Manchester Academic Center at 670 North Commercial Street, Manchester.
The Texas Master of Physician Assistant Studies White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2027 was held on Friday, February 27 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm (CT) at the Round Rock Sports Center, 2400 Chisholm Trail Road, Round Rock, TX. Read more about the ceremony.
The Texas Master of Physician Assistant Studies Completion Ceremony for the Class of 2026 was held on Friday, February 13 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm (CT) at the Round Rock Sports Center, 2400 Chisholm Trail Road, Round Rock, TX.
| Here Are a Few Suggestions for Places to Eat Off Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | Distance | Type |
| Emma's 321 Pub and Kitchen 377 Route 202 Rindge, NH 03461 (603) 899-3322 |
5 minutes | Sit-down homestyle & American cuisine |
| Hometown Diner 1421 Route 119 Rindge, NH 03461 (603) 899-3200 |
6 minutes | Sit-down American Diner |
| The Grove @ Woodbound Inn 247 Woodbound Road Rindge, NH 03461 (603) 532-8341 |
9 minutes | Sit-down dining. Reservations are advised. |
| Kogetsu 50 Jaffrey Road Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-7773 |
17 minutes | Sit-down Pan-Asian entrees & sushi |
| Twelve Pine 11 School Street Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-6140 |
20 minutes | Sit-down/Take-out sandwiches and prepared food |
| Pearl Restaurant & Oyster Bar 1 Jaffrey Road Peterborough, NH 03458 (603) 924-5225 |
21 minutes | Small sit-down Asian fusion cuisine and seafood |
| Papagallos Restaurant 9 Monadnock Highway Keene, NH 03431 (603) 352-9400 |
23 minutes | Sit-down Italian cuisine |
| Thai Garden 118 Main Street Keene, NH 03431 (603) 357-4567 |
27 minutes | Strip-mall outpost offering classic Thai |
| Margaritas Mexican Restaurant 77 Main Street Keene, NH 03431 (603) 357-4492 |
29 minutes | Sit-down Mexican cuisine |
| Chili's Grill & Bar 4 Ash Brook Road Keene, NH 03431 (603) 352-1984 |
30 minutes | Sit-down Tex-Mex-style cuisine |
| LongHorn Steakhouse 8 Ash Brook Road Keene, NH 03431 (603) 352-5088 |
30 minutes | Sit-down American cuisine |
CONTACT Student Affairs
Zauyah Waite, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
(603) 899-4162
waitez@franklinpierce.edu
studentaffairs@franklinpierce.edu
