Topped with graduation caps adorned with glittering celebratory messages, UMass Dartmouth’s class of 2015 began its commencement weekend.

At the second commencement ceremony, held outdoors on a sunny Friday afternoon at the Vietnam Veterans Peace Memorial Amphitheater, the common themes were social change and the future of the planet.

During her speech, Chancellor Divina Grossman made note of the headline news back when the graduates were freshman.

“When many of arrived on campus in September 2011, masses of citizens were beginning to occupy Wall Street,” said Grossman. “That same fall, the population of the planet reached 7 billion, making us question how we could ever shelter, feed and clothe everybody.”

The keynote speaker, Senator Edward Markey, who was also awarded with a Chancellor's Medal during the ceremony, talked at length about the effects of climate change and how that would impact the graduates before him.

“You are eyewitnesses to what is happening, and you have to be in the forefront of doing something about it,” said Markey.

He addressed how climate change would affect the specific fields of study among the graduates — from the engineer students who would need to create new technology to combat the effects of climate change to the artists who could provide a way for the public to better understand it.

Additionally, Markey said the new generation of graduates will need to tackle student loan debt, income inequality and equal pay for women.

His speech concluded with some advice.

“Don’t be afraid to re-access and change course in your life, especially if it will help you follow your passions and professional goals,” said Markey. “I’ve given you several examples of how you can help advance the causes of your generation, but here’s the best part: You get to choose.”

Commencement was divided into four ceremonies. On Friday, the Charlton College of Business held its ceremony in the morning. The combined ceremony of the College of Engineering, College of Nursing, College of Visual and Performing Arts, and School for Marine Science and Technology was held Friday afternoon. Commencement for the College of Arts and Sciences and UMass Law were also celebrated over the weekend.