AMHERST, MASS. (WHDH) - UMass Amherst’s graduating class received a celebratory sendoff during its virtual commencement celebration on Friday.
Approximately 6,600 seniors heard from Gov. Charlie Baker and Massachusetts native actor Ben Affleck during a 20-minute presentation Friday afternoon.
Other notable faces included New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Massachusetts native comedian Rachel Dratch, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
UMass President Marty Meehan also addressed the class from his living room.
“Nothing is stopping you from pursuing your future. And nothing will stop us from continuing to support you no matter what life throws at us,” he said to the school’s 150th graduating class.
Baker advised the class to “make good choices and make good friends.”
“Be grateful, have empathy, know your worth,” Affleck said. “You’ll get what you settle for.”
Kraft told students to dream big and “don’t be afraid to fail.”
“You can do it,” he said.
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