Video: Highlights from BU’s Historic 147th Commencement
Highlights from BU’s Historic 147th Commencement
Highlights from BU’s Historic 147th Commencement
Finally. After waiting almost 18 months, Boston University’s Class of 2020 got their eagerly anticipated send-off at the University’s 147th Commencement on Sunday, October 3. The original ceremony, scheduled for May 17, 2020, was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 Commencement was an unprecedented event, not least because it was in October, not May. An estimated 1,818 members of the Class of 2020 returned to campus from across the country and around the globe to attend Sunday’s ceremony, cheered on by nearly 6,000 guests. And unlike this past May’s historic Commencement for the Class of 2021, which was separated into two separate ceremonies—one for undergrads, one for grads, with no guests allowed at either—Sunday’s ceremony felt more like a typical Commencement, despite the autumnal nip in the air.
There was a palpable sense of anticipation as the full academic procession entered the field, attended by the Class of 2020, faculty, University leadership, alumni, and distinguished guests. And the weather cooperated: partially sunny skies with temps in the mid 60s and just some drizzle.
Victor J. Dzau, president of the National Academy of Medicine, delivered the Commencement address and received an honorary Doctor of Science. Additional honorary degrees were awarded to Thomas R. Insel (CAS’72, MED’74), former director of the National Institute of Mental Health, Doctor of Science; Yolanda Kakabadse, former director of the World Wildlife Fund International, Doctor of Humane Letters, Baccalaureate speaker; David Satcher, 16th US Surgeon General, former Secretary for Health in the Department of Health and Human Services, and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Doctor of Laws; and Mark Volpe, who recently stepped down as president and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Doctor of Humane Letters.
For the first time in BU history, the Commencement student speaker was an alum: Macken Murphy (CAS’20), and the student singer was Rozime Lindsey (CFA’23).
Our hearty congratulations to all graduates of the Class of 2020.
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