Renowned historian and author David McCullough will headline this year's commencement exercises on May 19, as Boston College graduates approximately 2,250 seniors. McCullough, whose best-selling books focus on U.S. history and presidents, has been called a "master of the art of narrative history" and a "matchless writer."
"Father Leahy extended an invitation to McCullough based on his visit to the University, when he spoke to rave reviews at a Winston Center event two years ago," said University Spokesman Jack Dunn. "In light of the popularity of his books and the HBO miniseries on John Adams, it seemed an ideal year to invite him to address students at commencement."
In addition to McCullough, honorary degrees will be awarded to Brother Celestino Arias, BC '90; Jennie Chin Hansen, BC '70; Anne P. Jones, BC '58; and Vice President and Special Assistant to the President Rev. William B. Neenan, S.J.
Dunn said that honorary degree recipients are chosen based on community suggestions and input and are confirmed by the board of trustees. "We have selected four individuals whose life accomplishments reflect the values that we hold dear as a university."
McCullough, whose most well-known book, 1776, spent time as the New York Times No. 1 best seller, has two Pulitzer Prizes and two National Book Awards to his name. 1776 has over three million volumes in print, and his previous work, John Adams, inspired the HBO miniseries now running in seven installments. McCullough has also been a lecturer, essayist, and editor, and has hosted and narrated documentaries and television shows.
Arias, a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, has developed a presence in urban communities within Boston and New York City through a life committed to humanitarian services. Coming from a multicultural background, born in New York and raised in Spain, Arias's activities have spanned the globe, reaching out to marginalized peoples in eastern Africa and South America. In Boston, he helped establish the Catholic Charities Cape Verdean program, which provides positive outlets and counseling for at-risk youth. He has also been instrumental in working through communities of the Capuchin Friars' in Africa to combat HIV and AIDS. He holds an undergraduate degree from BC and a master's from Columbia University.
Hansen, who had extensive leadership roles in health care and aging in her career as a nurse, was recently elected president of the AARP. She will be the first Asian-American to assume the position, after having worked in nonprofit elder care services in a Chinatown community. Her unique approach to health care for the aging population, called the Program of All-Inclusive Care to the Elderly, has been implemented in some form by every state in the country.
Jones holds both an undergraduate and a law degree from BC, has served as the Federal Communications Commissioner, and is an associate trustee at BC. Leaving private law practice for a role on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), she rose through the ranks quickly. She held various directorships and acted as general counsel in several capacities. She was then with the FCC for four years before returning to private practice. Although retired, she continues to serve on various advisory boards and remains involved in several legal organizations.
Neenan, a native of Sioux City, Iowa, became a member of the BC community in 1980 as the first Thomas I. Gasson, S.J., visiting professor. He never returned to his former institution, the University of Michigan, but has since been one of BC's best selling points for generations of students. Neenan also served as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and academic vice president, and receives much credit for the University's rise to national prominence. Beyond his responsibilities as a University vice president, Neenan has officiated the weddings of many BC alumni and publishes an annual "Dean's List" of must-read books. He also provides a welcoming environment for students from across the nation, hosting luncheons where those from similar geographic regions can meet each other.
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