University of Southern Maine hosted its 142nd Commencement at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine on Saturday, May 7. This marked the first in-person graduation since 2019, and the last class to graduate under President Glenn Cummings’ tenure.

More than 900 students participated before a predicted crowd of 5,000 family and friends. The celebration was held in compliance with all Maine CDC and University of Maine System rules. Guests were required to wear a face covering and provide either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.

Cummings, who will step down from the university on June 30, delivered the Commencement address in his last large gathering as President. He shared the stage with Dr. Nirav D. Shah, who also spoke.

Honorary degrees were conferred upon Dr. Shah, poet Betsy Sholl, and philanthropist Dan Crewe.

In addition to Saturday’s Commencement, USM hosted a small gathering on Friday, May 6 for 2020 and 2021 graduates who wished to walk across the stage and have the in-person experience they missed in previous years.

Roughly 100 students attended, and USM presented a posthumous degree in honor of graduate student and addiction advocate Jesse Harvey.