 Award-winning author and historian David McCullough spoke to graduates about the continuous process of learning
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The brisk wind didn't extinguish the high spirits of the Class of 2008 during the 132nd Commencement Exercises. Family, friends, faculty, and administrators filled Alumni Stadium early Monday morning to celebrate the achievements of the graduating students.
The University conferred baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees to over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. These newly-proclaimed alumni hail from 59 countries, adding to the diversity of the 150,000 living graduates.
The Rev. James Erps, S.J., director of Campus Ministry, began the exercises by giving the invocation, reminding students that although commencement is a time to celebrate the promise of the future, events such as the recent natural disaster in China must also be remembered. Students must attempt to reconcile the good in life with the bad using the opportunities they have been given. "Much is expected of them because they have much to give," Erps said of the students.
University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., also addressed students regarding the gifts they have been given. After welcoming students and guests, Leahy thanked the students for all their contributions to the BC community and described the hopes he had for the Class of 2008. In addition to recognizing the graduates as individuals who have curiosity and who are agents of social change, Leahy asked students to pass on to others the gifts they have received from their families, faculty, the administration, the community, and their education at BC.
"We live in a complex and dangerous world that desperately needs individuals who will choose to share their gifts and live lives marked by faith, hope, and love," Leahy said. "As you graduates receive your diplomas today, you leave the relative tranquility of the Heights. We send you forth with our prayers, best wishes, and confidence in your abilities. We trust in your generosity, talents, and willingness to be men and women for others."
In addition to conferring degrees to undergraduate and graduate students, the University presented five other individuals with honorary degrees. Brother Celestino Arias, BC '90, received the degree of Doctor of Social Science for his humanitarian efforts globally and his social work in Boston. Jennie Chin Hansen Abrams, BC '70, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Nursing Science for her work in health care for elderly citizens and as president of the AARP. Ann Jones, BC '58, received the degree of Doctor of Law for her commitment to service and for her leadership in gender equality through her government positions. The Doctor of Humane Letters was conferred to University Vice President Rev. William Neenan, S.J., for his service to BC and role in its development.
2008 Woodie Awards
