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Celebrating the Class of 2009
Another significant transformation this year was the configuration of Commencement Weekend to respond to the University’s goal of moving to a more universal experience across all graduation celebrations. Through collaborations with university offices, Student Programs & Leadership created a new planning model and provided the guidance necessary to make the shift as seamless as possible for academic departments hosting convocations.
Seniors and their families, faculty, trustees, and other members of the BU community celebrated BU’s 136th Commencement on May 17. Congressman Michael Capuano delivered the Commencement Address, urging graduates to work on behalf of their communities with the same passion that they put into their own careers. The festivities included an array of prizes and honors, including the Metcalf Cup and Prize for Excellence in Teaching, which was presented jointly for only the third time in its 36-year history. The co-recipient was CAS’s own Tom Gilmore, professor of biology.
Harvey Sham, who graduated magna cum laude in sociology, delivered an inspirational speech to his fellow graduates, thanking CAS professors for taking the University’s motto (Learning, Virtue, Piety) to heart. Arts & Sciences Dean Virginia Sapiro congratulated the graduating seniors and urged them to stay in touch with CAS as they move forward into their individual futures.
Moving Forward
Despite a year of unprecedented financial challenges, Arts & Sciences remains strong. Thanks to the amazing collaboration of university leadership, faculty, staff, and students, as well as alumni and friends around the world, we came out better than ever. As we celebrate our achievements, we are already setting our sights on the future. Through prudent planning, budgetary discipline, and keen attention to the goals of BU’s strategic plan, we will strive for even greater excellence as we foster a vibrant learning environment where great people do extraordinary things.