David Ortiz knows how to close things out.

“Big Papi” is one of the most clutch hitters in Red Sox history, leading Boston to three world championships during his career, but he took his walk-off talents to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center on Sunday.

Ortiz closed out the speaker portion of the New England Institute of Technology’s 76th commencement ceremony, telling students, “Don’t you ever let anybody dictate your future.” Ortiz offered this sentiment to applause before students crossed the stage themselves for the degree ceremony.

“We are here. We all took a different path to get here. Some young, some old. A lot of us with kids,” Ortiz, who was presented an honorary doctorate in humane letters, said. “Our parents teach us so much about dedication. What our parents did for us every day. For me, my parents are my best friends.”

Ortiz continued to discuss his parents’ role in his life, saying how they taught him some of the most important lessons he took into his baseball career.

“They teached me the way early in my life, what things are important in life,” Ortiz said. “They taught me that it doesn’t matter how many times you are knocked down, it’s not important. Most important thing is learning how to get back on your feet.”

This proved key for Ortiz, as he conquered one of the most prevalent challenges he saw in life: Negativity.

“There was some point in my career where it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but guess what? I knew I had the talent. I know I had heart,” Ortiz, whose speech ended to chants of “Papi,” said. “To me, that’s the most important thing: We don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t.”

Along with Ortiz, Bob and Warren Galkin also each received honorary doctorates. The former serves as the chairman of the board for Natco in West Warwick, while the latter is the vice chairman. Natco specializes in handmade and woven rugs and is celebrating its 100th year in business in 2017. The Galkins are long-time supporters of the Warwick Boys and Girls Clubs.

Evan Choquette, a graduate of the occupational therapy assistant program and a Warwick resident, was “anxious” as he waited in line underneath the Dunkin’ Donuts Center before the procession. However, that anxiety faded for a moment as he discussed the prospect of seeing Ortiz walk the stage and deliver his speech.

“That is beyond crazy,” Choquette said. “Huge Red Sox fan, I am really, really excited to have him here and hear what he has to say.”

NEIT, which features two campuses in Warwick, welcomed Mayor Scott Avedisian to the festivities as well. Avedisian said that it was fitting for NEIT to kick off commencement season.

“You’re the first commencement of the season, and that’s a compliment,” Avedisian said. “The university that leads in technical training should be the first, and we congratulate each and every one of you.”

The following graduating students were from Warwick (an asterisk denotes honors, while a plus sign acknowledges potential June graduates):

AS Degree

Rachel C. Anderson, Lauren M. Ayers, Victoria M. Ayers, Tory J. Bassett, Corey J. Beagan*, Connor M. Berube, Kyla R. Broomfield, Jonathan F. Campbell*, Cynthia L. Carrara, Brett M. Casale, Gerald C. Chanco*, Evan M. Choquette+, Trent A. Clarke+, Brian Coelho Jr+, Michael A. Colicci, Wayne M. Conant, Marshall A. Cook+, Zaria D. Dean*, Jonathan J. DeVito*+, Vincent J. DeVito III*, Alberto M. Diaz*+, Amanda E. Dohoney, Kristin Domin, Damani N. Edwards, Morgan T. Edwards, Allison R. Erben+, Kayla E. Falk+, Douglas Fallow*, Arlington Forbes*, Roger Forsythe+, James A. Gardner+, Michael J. George, William D. Gibeault*, Nolan Glinko, Quiana J. Gomes, Crystal M. Green*+, Alexander S. Harrop, Norman Houle, Rebekah M. Kelly*, Joseph E. Kelly III*, Kathryn E. Laudon, Meaghan E. Layden+, Richard D. Levenson+, Chaowen Liang+, Kameron Longley+, Jenna L. Maloof*, Rebecca L. Marchand-Benedetti+, Erica A. Marcus*, Daniel C. Martini, Katelyn A. Martins, Bernard McCreary*, Thomas M. McGowan*, Michelle Moller*, Makayla M. Myers, Nicholas T. Nardone, Angela C. Oakley+, Stephen A. Octeau, Kenneth L. Parrillo, Jenna M. Petrarca, Michelle L. Poland, Samantha M. Powers, Molyda Prom*, Stefani A. Quaine, Amanda E. Quinn*, Alexis E. Rapoza, Isaiah A. Rios, William Robinson, Rebecca M. Rogers*, Christopher M. Rogue, Jeanette D. Salinas, Jeffrey Santos+, Keven J. Santos, John N. Schwartz III, Tyler Skoglund, Elizabeth R. Slade, Bryce A. Smith+, Michael T. Stahl*, Nathan D. Stone+, Sarah M. Stone*, Shawn D. Teague+, Shaquan C. Thompson+, James A. Thornley, Maryann Turnbull, Ryan Wade, Rowan J. Wheatley II*+, Traynario S. Wright+, Danyal Youngbar+

BS Degree

Joshua L. Andrade*, Jon-Michael Baribault, Miguel A. Casillas Jr, Michael J. Chibante*, Peter M. Ciccone+, Allyson T. Dolan, Dheja S. Fonseca, Dheja S. Fonseca*, Shakera S. Forbes, Shakera S. Forbes*, Thomas M. Greatorex, Nicholas C. Hafford, Isaiah M. Jarvis, Matthew H. Jesus, Christopher F. Kayrouz*, Kira M. Lollar*, Nancy M. Pace+, Alexis V. Pacheco, Julianne R. Panico, Michael A. Petrarca, Emmanuel Pimentel, Anthony M. Pirolli, Douglas R. Roth*, Jose A. Silveira, Anthony M. Souza*, Emily R. Stansfield*, Nicholas P. Stansfield, Jonathan A. Sullivan, Frank D. Triolo, Saskiah S. Vargas-Walton, Jakeem D. Williams

MS Degree

Samuel K. Jones*