The University of Maine and University of Southern Maine are kicking off the commencement season.

Peter McPherson, president of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, is delivering Saturday’s commencement address in Orono. He is getting an honorary degree along with Dana Connors, executive director of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, and Dennis Rezendes of Colorado, who pioneered the hospice program in the U.S.

Delivering the USM commencement address is Richard Blanco, the first openly gay and first Latino to serve as inaugural poet. He is also the youngest person to hold that honor. 

Also holding commencements Saturday are the University of Maine at Augusta and the University of Maine at Fort Kent, along with St. Joseph’s College in Standish.