Franklin Pierce will award two honorary degrees and the Honorable Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award as part of its 59th graduation exercises on Saturday, May 11.

This year’s honorary degree recipients are collegiate sports and employment attorney Janet Judge and American folk and blues singer Tom Rush. In addition, Cheshire County Sheriff Eliezer “Eli” Rivera (Class of 1997) will receive the Honorable Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award, named for New Hampshire’s 72nd governor and the second president of Franklin Pierce University.

“It is with great pride that we recognize the accomplishments of our honorary degree and Peterson Award recipients and welcome them as an integral part of this year’s commencement celebrations,” stated FPU President Kim Mooney. “Their exemplary contributions to society and their fields reflect the transformative power of dedicated individuals to make a difference in the world.”

Judge is the co-founder of the Education & Sports Law Group, LLC, and has more than 30 years of experience serving the needs of higher education clients. A four-time Best Lawyers in America Sports Lawyer of the Year, most recently in 2024 (Boston), Judge regularly represents and advises NCAA Division I, II, and III schools and conferences regarding NCAA compliance and civil rights matters. This includes Title IX athletic equity compliance, sexual misconduct prevention and response, and student-athlete well-being.

In addition to working with schools, Judge is the co-author of the NCAA’s Gender Equity Manual, consults with the NCAA on the development of member-facing training materials and regularly conducts NCAA and conference workshops and trainings. In addition to her Title IX practice, Judge has served on the boards of the National Association of Colleges and Universities, the Hazing Prevention Network and Ultimate (Frisbee).

She also works collaboratively with conferences, colleges and universities to assess programs, provide advice and design and implement proactive policies, procedures and education designed to engage the community. She is a graduate of Boston University School of Law and Harvard College.

“Through her dedicated efforts to champion the rights and safety of student-athletes, Janet Judge has significantly deepened Franklin Pierce University’s commitment to the principles of Title IX and to providing an equitable, supportive environment for all our students,” stated Mooney. “Her work not only aligns with but actively propels our mission, values, and priorities, making her an invaluable ally in our ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and fairness within our campus community.”

Rush, born in Portsmouth, began his music career while studying English literature at Harvard University. His early music was influenced by Southern and Appalachian folk, old-time country songs, Woody Guthrie ballads and acoustic guitar blues. Credited by Rolling Stone for ushering in the singer-songwriter era, Rush is known for his performances of his compositions as well as introducing songs by then-unknown artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Jackson Browne.

His 1968 song “No Regrets” has covered by artists as diverse as Harry Belafonte, Emmylou Harris and U2. Describing 2024 as his “63rd Annual Farewell Tour,” Rush continues to do shows around the country and abroad. His latest album, “Gardens Old, Flowers New,” was released in March.

“Tom Rush’s remarkable 60-year contribution to music and the arts, deeply rooted in our shared New Hampshire heritage, has left an indelible mark on the folk and blues genres,” stated Mooney. “His ability to weave social commentary into his artistry not only exemplifies the creative and intellectual pursuits we encourage among our students but also aligns with our mission to foster conscientious, engaged citizens.”

Rivera made history in 2012 as the first person of color to be elected as sheriff in Cheshire County. Throughout his tenure, Rivera has been at the forefront of developing and implementing a community-focused strategy within the sheriff’s department, emphasizing respect, strong community relationships, service and equity in law enforcement practices. An advocate for human rights, Rivera has dedicated his efforts to addressing systemic racism, LGBTQ rights, and immigration issues, including testifying against legislation harmful to undocumented individuals.

He is active in the Monadnock Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coalition and leads the Law Enforcement Committee, and collaborates with Franklin Pierce University on race and policing issues. Rivera earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Franklin Pierce in 1997 and holds a Master of Science in forensic and police psychology from Walden University.

“Sheriff Rivera’s unwavering dedication to public service and safety in Cheshire County has not only set a standard for ethical law enforcement but has also significantly strengthened the bonds of trust and respect within our community,” stated Mooney. “His leadership, alongside his commitment to engaging with our youth and educational communities, exemplifies the spirit of the Walter R. Peterson Citizen Leader Award.”

For information about Franklin Pierce University’s 2024 graduation, visit franklinpierce.edu/commencement.