Celebrating the Class of 2009

Celebrating the Class of 2009

Seniors, family members, faculty, trustees, and other members of the BU community joined together to celebrate BU’s 136th Commencement on Sunday, May 17. As was fitting, the festivities had their lighter moments, as when basketball legend Larry Bird was greeted by cries of “Larry Legend!” as he received his honorary degree. (Film director Steven Spielberg also received an honorary degree.) In his Commencement address, Congressman Michael Capuano urged graduates to work on behalf of their communities with the same passion that they put into their own careers.

Class Day Ceremonies

AWARDS
CAS celebrates the accomplishments of graduates

 

STUDENT SPEECH
Harvey Sham's inspirational speech


DEAN'S ADDRESS
Dean Sapiro congratulates graduating seniors


PROGRAM
Download the Class Day program


VIDEOS
View videos from Commencement

An array of prizes and honors were awarded, including the Metcalf Cup and Prize for Excellence in Teaching, which was presented jointly for only the third time in its 36-year history. This year’s Metcalf recipients were CAS’s own Tom Gilmore, professor of biology, and Michelle LaCourse, associate professor and chair of strings in the College of Fine Arts School of Music.

CAS honored its graduates with Class Day ceremonies on Saturday, May 16. Faculty, students, and families celebrated the accomplishments of graduating seniors, many of whom received awards for their achievements. Awards included the College Prizes given by each academic department and the four Alumni Association Writing Awards, which were given to Christopher Lee, Taylor Papallo, Andrew Peckham, and Rachel Morrison.

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.

Dean Sapiro also congratulated the graduating seniors and urged them to stay in touch with CAS as they move forward into their individual futures.

Thank you to everyone who made Commencement 2009 a joyful and meaningful experience.