Graduation season begins this weekend for New Hampshire colleges and universities, which have invited a range of speakers to deliver inspiring remarks to gown-clad grads at commencement ceremonies throughout May.

Those who gather on the lawn at New England College in Henniker, N.H., on Saturday will hear from US Representative Maggie Goodlander, who will receive an honorary doctorate, according to the private liberal arts school, which sits in her district.

Wayne F. Lesperance Jr., the college’s president, said Goodlander embodies principles of service and civic responsibility.

“Her distinguished career offers a powerful example of leadership in action,” he said, “and I am confident her message will resonate deeply with our graduates as they prepare to make their own meaningful contributions to their communities and our democracy.”

Goodlander — who has made headlines in recent months as one of the six Democratic lawmakers whom the Trump administration sought to indict over their brief video calling on military personnel to “refuse illegal orders” — said in a statement that NEC was founded 80 years ago in “a moment of national need” to serve veterans after World War II, and today’s graduates are stepping into another such moment.

“My message is simple: America needs you,” she said. “Your ideas, your courage, your kindness. Now more than ever. Show up.”

Also this weekend, Southern New Hampshire University, a private institution that serves students on campus and online, will hold five ceremonies in Manchester, N.H., starting Friday afternoon, with speeches from SNHU graduates and staff rather than from outside guests or keynote speakers.

Jerry Demecillo Tambiling, who just finished his bachelor’s degree in business, is planning to deliver remarks at Friday’s ceremony to praise his classmates for their persistence and encourage them to maintain a sense of gratitude, according to a copy of his prepared speech.

“You are proof that beginnings do not determine endings,” he’ll say. “You are proof that dreams do not expire.”

Read more at https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/01/metro/nh-college-commencement-speakers-goodlander/