Academic Convocation

New students in the Class of 2028 and the Salem State campus community are invited to attend the 43rd annual Academic Convocation ceremony to celebrate the start of the new academic year. This year's Convocation speaker is Dr. Anne DeFelippo, professor in the School of Nursing. Students are requested to arrive at 9:45 am to pick up their university t-shirt before the Convocation ceremony which begins at 10 am. 

Professor DeFelippo received one of the Outstanding First Year Advocate Awards in 2023-24, selected from among the full-time faculty nominees. The Outstanding First Year Advocate Award recognizes faculty, staff, and student leaders who have made significant contributions to the academic and/or personal lives of first year students.

Professor DeFelippo is a proud first-generation college graduate. This fall begins her 23rd year of teaching at Salem State. She serves as the faculty advisor to the student advisory council in the School of Nursing, where she teaches nursing courses and about health disparities in Healthcare Studies.

This year’s theme celebrates self-care and learning to ask for help. Convocation marks the ceremonial start of the university’s 170th academic year. Remarks will be shared by President John Keenan, Provost and Academic Vice-President David Silva, SGA President Saturn Wands, and Student Trustee Angel Garcia.

Convocation is held on Tuesday, September 3 in the Twohig Gymnasium in the O'Keefe Sports Complex at 225 Canal Street.

View the ceremony livestream.

*This event is mandatory for first-year students.