Kennedy Encourages Graduates to Pursue Public Service, the “Noblest Endeavor”
“In the aftermath of the September 11th tragedy, my husband (Senator Edward M. Kennedy) worked side by side with families affected by the tragedy,” said Victoria Reggie Kennedy, convocation speaker at the School of Social Work’s 72nd annual commencement. “He saw how difficult it was for those affected to face each day, and left one such meeting with a mission for his staff. He said, ‘We need social workers…Now!”
Highlighted by Kenndy’s stirring words, 189 master’s of social work, 14 dual degree master’s of social work and public health, three dual degree master’s of social work and education, two dual degree master’s of social work and theology, and one doctor of philosophy student were recognized on May 20, 2011 at Boston University’s Fitness & Recreation Center for successfully completing the requirements for graduation.
Clinical Assistant Professor Lisa L. Moore received the Excellence in Teaching Award, as voted on by students. Sara Skonieczny and Maria Benkins received the Saul and David Bernstein Prize; Laurie Hoffinger received the Herbert S. Strean Prize; CarmenLeah Ascensio and Bonnie Wennerstrom received the Carl D’Ettore Prize; and Whitney Rudin and Morrigan Phillips received the Sarah Lange Prize.
“The central principle of social work is the need to recognize each person in their own environment,” said Ralph Cahoon III, student speaker from the Cape Cod Campus. “Making personal connection in an increasingly impersonal world will be crucial. No man or woman is an island, and we need to work to foster these connections with our clients.”
An attorney, health care proponent, and wife of late Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), Victoria Reggie Kennedy stood alongside President Barack Obama at the White House as he signed the landmark health care legislation into law in March 2010. She continues to advocate for the law and explain its benefits to constituency groups around the country.
Kennedy, who also received an honorary Doctor of Laws at Boston University’s 138th Commencement on May 22, is the co-founder and trustee of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, which is being built adjacent to the John F. Kennedy Library at the University of Massachusetts – Boston. The Institute will educate visitors about the essential role of the United States Senate, and work to invigorate public discourse, encourage participatory democracy, and inspire the next generation of citizens and leaders.
A passionate advocate for issues that affect the lives of women, children and families, Ms. Kennedy co-founded Common Sense about Kids and Guns, a non-profit, non-partisan organization that works to reduce gun deaths and injuries to children in the United States. Playing an active role in Senator Kennedy’s re-election campaigns in 1994, 2000, and 2006, Kennedy created the Massachusetts Women’s Council, which served as a model for similar campaigns around the country. In 2008, she served a co-chair of Catholics for Obama-Biden during the presidential campaign.
“Your capacity to change the world will be enormous,” Kennedy said. “Be involved in the political life. You can rise above the political coarseness of our nation, and create a place where public service can be the noblest endeavor.”
Morrigan Phillips, student speaker from the Charles River campus, encouraged graduates to embrace the uniqueness of social work knowledge, and focus on the importance of being a professional social worker.
“There is such a great need for the work we will do,” she said. “Our job is to make sure no budget will be balanced on the backs of the most vulnerable.”
– Jason L. London