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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth B. Simmons, LPD, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 508-830-6683, esimmons@maritime.edu Nicole Joy Hales, PRfirst, 617-947-7983, nhales@prfirst.com Governor Maura T. Healey Delivers Keynote Address at Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s 182nd Commencement Urges Graduates to Lead with Courage and Conviction BUZZARDS BAY, BOURNE, MA, ISSUED…JUNE 25, 2025…Against the backdrop of the Training Ship Patriot State, Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey delivered the keynote address on June 21st at Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s 182nd commencement, urging graduates to “forge a career of purpose, meaning and impact at a time when our nation needs these qualities more than ever.” “I cannot think of a more inspiring place to be right now, with this stunning ship beside us, and a rising generation of leaders before us,” said Governor Healey, applauding the more than 300 baccalaureate and masters level graduates for choosing to “not be a passenger on the ship of life, but a navigator.” “This institution has prepared you to lead and you step now into a proud, historic legacy of national leadership,” said Healey noting that Massachusetts is “the state of firsts.” “We are home to the first school, library, and public park in America – the first lighthouse, railroad, and computer and we are the birthplace of the United States National Guard, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard,” said the governor. “Next year, the nation will celebrate the birth of our nation, but we are starting early in Massachusetts – because we went first,” said Healey. “250 years ago, this year, the people of Massachusetts put their lives on the line and stood up to a King to defend their rights and freedoms. In battles at Lexington, Concord, Bunker Hill, and beyond, ordinary people did something extraordinary. They started the Revolution that gave us the United States of America – the first nation to be forged in the cause of liberty, and the greatest country to ever exist in the world. That is the legacy you carry forward today. “You took the road – and the ocean – less traveled,” said Healey. “Today, and for the rest of your lives, you will reap the benefit of that courageous decision, and all the hard work it entailed. To carry us through to calmer waters and safer shores, we will depend on steady hands and skilled navigators – on leaders of character and courage in every field of endeavor. We will depend on you.” Healey – the first woman elected Governor in Massachusetts history – was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Administration degree during the commencement ceremony. “It was a true honor to welcome Governor Healey to our campus and to have her share such an inspiring message to our Class of 2025,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, president of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “Her remarks were a powerful confirmation of the Academy’s mission to develop leaders of character, purpose and service. We thank her for inspiring the next generation as they embark on their professional journeys.” Two Academy Trustees and former Board Chairs were also in attendance and received honorary degrees: James Kane, president and CEO of A.D. Makepeace, and Daniel Shores, partner at Rothwell Figg in Boston. About Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA): MMA is a fully accredited, four-year, co-educational state university offering Bachelor and Master of Science degrees that are highly regarded in the worldwide maritime industry and beyond. For more than 100 years, MMA has prepared women and men for exciting and rewarding careers on land and sea. As the nation's finest co-ed maritime college, MMA challenges students to succeed by balancing a unique regimented lifestyle with a typical four-year college environment. Located on Cape Cod, at the mouth of the scenic Cape Cod Canal, Massachusetts Maritime Academy is the ideal college to pursue the love for the ocean, concern for the environment, interest in math and science, and a thirst for adventure. Follow MMA on FB: @massmaritime, @MassMaritime.Advancement; IG: @massmaritime, @mmacademyalumni; Twitter: @MMAadmissions, @MMAcademyAlumni; YouTube: Massachusetts Maritime Academy. 
Governor Maura Healey addresses the graduating class of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. 
Massachusetts Maritime Academy Class of 2025 graduates |