Category: Commencement
Sila Calderón Keynote
Sila Calderón, the first woman governor of Puerto Rico, speaks at Commencement. President Jon Westling says, “All but two of the governments on the two continents are led by men. It seems fitting, then, that the first female graduation speaker in the University’s history should also be the first woman to lead her people. And it is with great pride that I announce that the speaker at the University’s Commencement exercises in 2001 is Her Excellency Sila M. Calderón, governor of Puerto Rico.”
“Image: a bird is one of the most amazing creatures in the universe. We marvel at its freedom to fly to the most far away places. Yet, we forget that for it to have that sense of unimpeded liberty, this tiny living thing is constantly battling much greater forces than itself: the wind, the rain, all kinds of tempests that threaten every part of its journey…Yet, it goes on…and on…and prevails against great odds. Be not afraid to lift your wings and let your spirits soar. Dream and do. Aspire and accomplish. Let that strength of character shine through. Enjoy life and, above all, be true to your soul.”—Sila Calderón
Center for Neurorehabilitation
Comprised of a team of researchers and clinicians with expertise in rehabilitation and movement science, the Center for Neurorehabilitation conducts research and runs clinical and educational activities in a single location, all with the goal of directly impacting the quality of rehabilitation provided to persons with neurological disorders. The center offers physical therapy services for people with Parkinson's disease and other neurological diagnoses.
Tom Wolfe Keynote
Celebrated novelist, journalist, and commentator Tom Wolfe speaks at Commencement.
"In his novels, frequently compared to the work of Charles Dickens, Mr. Wolfe has led his readers through the thickets of greed and honor, love and suspicion, that sometimes seem to be the natural habitat of the modern American. There is no writer living today better prepared than Mr. Wolfe to cast a discerning eye on the world."—President Westling
Henry Kissinger Keynote
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger focuses on leadership in his address to more than 5,400 graduates and 20,000 guests during the 126th Boston University Commencement.
"The task of any leader is to take a society from where it is to where it has never been, which is a lonely task, requiring much courage. That too is the challenge before us. And this is why John Silber has been such an inspiration to me."—Henry A. Kissinger
Gary Locke Keynote
Commencement speaker Gary Locke (LAW'75), governor of Washington and first Asian-American governor in the country, told the 5,000-plus degree candidates who filled Nickerson Field on May 17 that they were the American dream personified.
In 2009, US President Barak Obama chose Gary Locke as his new Secretary of Commerce, and he was sworn into office on March 26, 2009.
"Our family story is no different from the stories of every family here—whether you are a first-generation immigrant or a sixth. Your stories are made of similar journeys—journeys fueled by the American dream of freedom, hope, and opportunity. And this Commencement ceremony is what generation after generation of Americans and people all across the globe have dreamed of and sacrificed for."—Gary Locke
Juan Julio Wicht Rossel Keynote
Jesuit priest Juan Julio Wicht Rossel, S. J., addresses the graduating class at Commencement.
Chancellor John Silber Keynote
Chancellor John Silber delivers the Keynote Address at Commencement.
President John Silber Keynote
President John Silber addresses the graduating class at Commencement.
Ross Perot Keynote
Ross Perot, the Texas businessman who won 19 percent of the popular vote for President in 1992, addresses Boston University graduates at Commencement.
Reverend Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood Keynote
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, a senior pastor at St. Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, delivers the main Commencement address to more than 15,000 guests. Boston University confers 2,834 undergraduate and 2,440 graduate and professional degrees at the outdoor ceremonies.
