MassBay Announces Massachusetts Lt. Governor Kimberly Driscoll, 64th Commencement Speaker

MassBay Community College to welcome Massachusetts Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll as the College’s 64th Commencement speaker, Boston, MA, (Photo / Massachusetts Governor’s Office).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Liz Cooper
ecooper@massbay.edu

WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass. (May 22, 2026) — MassBay Community College is pleased to announce Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kimberly Driscoll will deliver the keynote address at the college’s 64th commencement on Thursday, May 28, 2026, on the Wellesley Hills campus, 50 Oakland Street.

“We are delighted and honored to welcome Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll back to MassBay,” said MassBay President David Podell. “Lt. Governor Driscoll and Governor Maura Healey have been powerful and steadfast advocates for community college students, leading initiatives that have made college free for many of our students and doing so, have forever altered the trajectory of countless Massachusetts families. Their leadership has enabled hundreds of students to graduate debt-free and prepared for stronger career opportunities, strengthening the workforce in the Commonwealth in the process. We are honored to host our Lieutenant Governor as our keynote speaker this year.”

When Lt. Governor Driscoll was sworn in as 73rd lieutenant governor in 2023 under Governor Healey, they made history as the first all-women executive team to lead Massachusetts. Since taking office, Driscoll has spearheaded several administration priorities and initiatives. A strong proponent of economic development in Massachusetts cities and towns, she has helped award grants to local leaders and organizations to strengthen their communities while emphasizing the administration’s commitment to direct investment. This work also includes significant involvement in affordable housing development and improvements to the state’s public education policy.

MassBay will award more than 500 associate degrees and certificates at the conclusion of the spring 2026 semester. For more information about the 2026 commencement exercises, visit www.massbay.edu/commencement.

MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston and is free to most Massachusetts residents without a bachelor’s degree. With more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs, along with comprehensive workforce and educational training, MassBay provides a wide range of courses with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Wellesley, Framingham, the Automotive Technology Center in Ashland, and online, in high-demand fields including health and life sciences, computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, business, and the humanities. MassBay students receive unparalleled value, with free one-on-one academic and social support services, compassionate and experienced faculty, and stackable credits that easily transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and that provide hands-on, workforce-ready skills. Health sciences, human services, early childhood education, and many general education programs are offered at the 65,000 square foot, state-of-the-art MassBay Framingham, which has served the community since January 2024. Founded in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by multiple governing bodies and remains dedicated to serving its diverse communities, fostering inclusiveness, and advancing equity for all.