Massachuesetts Senator Frederick Berry to Speak at BU Sargent College Commencement

Monday, May 9, 2005

(Boston) – Massachusetts Senator Frederick E. Berry who is widely known for his work on behalf of those with special needs will deliver the keynote address to students and their guests at the Boston University (BU) Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences commencement ceremony this year.

Berry , who was born with Cerebral Palsy, has been a member of the Massachusetts Senate since 1982 representing the communities of Topsfield, Danvers , Beverly , Peabody and Salem . Throughout his tenure he has worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities serving on the committees on Children & Families as well as Mental Health & Substance Abuse. He also currently serves as the Senate Majority Leader.

“Our hope is that Senator Berry's life, experience, work and vision will inspire our graduates as they leave the walls of BU Sargent College,” said Gloria Waters, Ph.D., dean of BU Sargent College. “He has been an extremely influential advocate for people with both physical and mental disabilities.”

Berry received The Legislative Leadership Award from the Disability Law Center in 2004 “for the significant contributions he has made to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Massachusetts.” He was also named “Legislator of the Year” in 2002 by The Children's Trust Fund.

The BU Sargent College Commencement Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 22 at 2:30 p.m. in the tent behind the Tsai Auditorium at 685 Commonwealth Avenue.

Boston University (BU) Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is an institution of higher education, research and clinical centers whose premier academic programs prepare dynamic health professionals and whose research and leadership in the health and rehabilitation sciences is actively shaping health care. BU Sargent College is the only private institution in the country offering five nationally ranked graduate programs in health and rehabilitation sciences. For more information and to learn about degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, communication disorders, health sciences, athletic training, nutrition, and rehabilitation counseling, visit http://www.bu.edu/sargent.