Dr. Bill Burges Announced as 2024 MET Convocation Guest Speaker
After 14 years focused on teaching, research, community college leadership, and part-time graduate school, Dr. Bill Burges in 1983 took a leap of faith and purpose and co-founded Burges & Burges Strategists with his late wife Charlene, a college professor. An expert in Ohio’s communities and regions, as well as in strategic processes, Dr. Burges leads projects across the state for cities, counties, colleges, and a wide variety of other clients in the Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, Akron, and Cincinnati regions and occasionally in other states.
EXPERIENCE
Dr. Burges’ commitment to excellence, customer service, winning results and ethical best practices are the foundations and hallmarks of our firm’s practice. Before founding Burges & Burges, Dr. Burges was a senior executive in academic affairs, strategic planning, and development at Cuyahoga Community College; researcher, planner, and writer at both the Federation for Community Planning in Cleveland and The Institute for Responsive Education at Boston University; and a teacher and program coordinator at the Brockton Schools in Massachusetts.
EDUCATION
Dr. Bill Burges earned a bachelor’s from Colby College, a master’s and doctorate from Boston University, and an Education Policy Fellowship from George Washington University. Dr. Burges was one of 22 Advanced Education Policy Leadership Fellows in the nation for 2021. He lives on Lake Erie in Euclid with his ultra-cool rescue English Setter Maxwell.
The big day is almost here. Before you receive your hard-earned degree, please review the following pages in detail. There are a few important preparations you will need to make, and important information you will need to know.
Apply to Graduate
Graduation is not an automatic process – one must apply – if you haven’t already done so, be sure to follow the steps for your program outlined in this section so you can walk with your classmates and celebrate your accomplishments.
Ceremonies:
There are two formal ceremonies over the weekend. Neither is mandatory, but both are encouraged.
MET Convocation Ceremony:
Saturday, May 18, 2024; 4 pm to approximately 6:30 pm
Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
Both MET undergraduate and graduate students participate in the same ceremony
The Metropolitan College Convocation Ceremony will begin at 4 pm in Agganis Arena with a program of speeches, recognitions, and awards. Each student will be announced and recognized individually as they process across the stage, shake hands with the Deans and receive a diploma cover. Immediately following the ceremony there will be a Reception in the Four-Court Gym (2nd floor) of the Fitness & Recreation Center (next door to Agganis Arena at 915 Commonwealth Avenue). The Reception will run from approximately 6:30-7:30 pm.
All students will receive their diplomas in the mail after gradation is conferred. Get more details about the MET Convocation Ceremony, including a map, information on arrival time, and security.
All University Commencement Ceremony:
Sunday, May 19, 2024; 1 pm
Nickerson Field, 285 Babcock Street, Boston
Students from all Schools and Colleges at Boston University participate in this ceremony
This is a symbolic conferment ceremony; students do not receive their actual diplomas at this ceremony. The University Commencement Speaker (announced the day of Senior Breakfast) will speak at the ceremony, as will other honorees. Visit the BU Commencement website for more information about Commencement Weekend.
Important information for Metropolitan College graduates and their guests:
- Tickets are not required for either the MET Convocation Ceremony or the All University Commencement Ceremony. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and there will be plenty of seating. Invite as many guests as you’d like. Since there is plenty of seating, guests should not feel that they have to arrive early. There will be signs to direct guests to the proper areas.
- For the MET Convocation Ceremony on Saturday students should report for check in and lineup to the Three Court Gym in the Fitness and Recreation Center (915 Commonwealth Avenue, located on the ground floor, and accessed by the entrance along Buick Street) by 2:45 pm. Guests may enter the Agganis Arena via the front Commonwealth Avenue entrances starting at 3 pm.
- For the All University Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, students must arrive at Harry Agganis Way by 12:15 pm. Guests may enter Nickerson Field starting at noon.
- Purchase your Cap and Gown online. Visit the Caps & Gowns page of the University’s Commencement website for more information.
- Parking: Students and guests are strongly encouraged to use public transportation for both ceremonies. Free shuttle buses will operate along Commonwealth Avenue before and after the weekend ceremonies. Unless used as a site for a convocation, all University parking lots will be open. However, parking spaces are extremely limited for the All University Commencement Ceremony on Sunday. The Agganis Arena garage and Babcock Street parking areas will be open for the Metropolitan College evening ceremony.
- Special Access Requests: All special needs parking requests should be directed to Disability & Access Services at 617-353-3658.
- If one of your guests needs special access to either Agganis Arena or Nickerson Field, please submit the “Accommodation Request Form” (form available at Disability & Access Services).
- Find answers to other Frequently Asked Questions here.