Governor Maggie Hassan is offering congratulations to new graduates of Keene State College – and encouraging them to stay in the state after college.
Keene State held commencement ceremonies Saturday on the Fiske Quad. In her address, Hassan told the graduates they had a lot to offer the state where they’d studied – and the state had much to offer them.
“From emerging sectors like clean energy, biotech and advanced manufacturing, to our strong tourism and natural recreation industries, New Hampshire has opportunities for any path you may choose,” Hassan said. “The Granite State has so much to offer you at each step along your way, from our high quality of life to our beautiful natural resources and outdoor recreation, to our truly vibrant cultural communities.”
Hassan is one of a number of state officials who have raised concerns that too many students are leaving New Hampshire after graduation instead of finding jobs in-state.
The community at Keene State came under criticism during the academic year, after police arrested a number of students in connection with the riots over Pumpkin Festival weekend last fall. College president Ann Huot lauded the student body’s response to the controversy in her remarks to the class of 2015.
“In a way,“ Huot said, “you have modeled for the entire Keene community what can happen when you stand up, accept responsibility, and work together to make change.”
The commencement ceremonies also included remarks by Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, granddaughter of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and president of Goodwill Industries of Northern New England.
