MassBay Graduate, Ronan Keane of Needham, MA, to Deliver Student Commencement Address

MassBay Community College proudly announces that Ronan Keane of Needham, MA, has been selected to deliver the student commencement address at the College’s 62nd Commencement exercises on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Keane will be graduating with an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts: Communications.

“Being selected to address the graduates at MassBay’s commencement is an incredible honor,” said Keane. “My journey at MassBay has been transformative for me personally and academically. I love MassBay, and I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to share my reflections and gratitude with my fellow graduates from whom I have learned so much. This is a beautiful capstone to my time here at MassBay.”

Reflecting on his experience, Keane shared “I didn’t come to MassBay to graduate. I came here because I had left UMass Amherst and wanted to take some classes and transfer my credits. After the first semester, I knew I wanted to stay here. I discovered things about myself and found tremendous support from the faculty and staff.”

Throughout his time at MassBay, Keane distinguished himself as a dedicated student leader and scholar. He immersed himself in extracurricular activities, serving as the vice president of academic affairs for the Student Government Association, contributing to the student literary magazine lumiere, and launching and participating in the student run podcast, The BayWatch. In addition, Keane has maintained a 4.0 GPA and has earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester. He was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in 2023.

In addition to his family, Keane attributes much of his success to the guidance and mentorship he received from MassBay Communication Chair, Professor Carolyn Guttilla, his advisor, who played a pivotal role in keeping him on track and “setting him on a successful course,” and Marketing Professor Tom Neimi and former English Professor David Medina, whose instruction and support shaped his academic journey. Outside of the classroom, Keane works part-time at Marathon Sports, has run the 2023 Boston Marathon and the 2022 Providence Marathon, and enjoys woodworking and surfing.

In his commencement address, Keane aims to highlight the strength and warmth of the MassBay community, emphasizing the importance of connection and support in achieving success.

After graduation, Keane intends to transfer to Boston College to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communications. His future goal is to become a journalist.