Endicott Names Designer, Activist Kenneth Cole Commencement Speaker

BEVERLY, MA — Activist, philanthropist and global fashion designer Kenneth Cole will deliver the 83rd commencement address to Endicott College graduates at Beverly's Hempstead Stadium.

Cole has campaigned throughout his career for voting rights, AIDS awareness and research, gender equality, gun safety and homelessness.

"More than a designer, Kenneth Cole is an engaged social advocate and philanthropist who has devoted his life and storied career to making people not only look good but feel good by fighting for a more equitable world," Endicott College President Steven R. DiSalvo said. "He represents the most powerful qualities of an Endicott College education and will share inspirational words with the Class of 2023."

Commencement day is set for May 20.

Cole, a native of Brooklyn, launched his clothing company in 1982 and followed with its first HIV/AIDS public service campaign in 1985. He has served on the amfAR Foundation for AIDS Research's board of directors for three decades, including 14 years as its chairman.

In 2017, he received the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Swarovski Award for Positive
Change, and two years later founded The Mental Health Coalition in an effort to end mental health stigma and change how people talk about mental illness.

During the ceremony, Cole will be presented with an honorary degree in recognition of his groundbreaking fashion, philanthropic, and advocacy work.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)