Newswise — U.S. Senator Barack Obama will deliver the keynote address and receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at the University of Massachusetts Boston's 38th Commencement ceremony on June 2, 2006, Chancellor Michael F. Collins, MD, announced today.
"With over half of its undergraduates representing first-generation college students, UMass Boston is leading the way in giving young Americans a chance to compete in the 21st century global economy by providing them with a quality education in a diverse setting," Sen. Obama said. "I am honored to have the opportunity to speak at this remarkable institution and to visit a city that I love."
Sen. Obama (D-Illinois), who was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, will be joined by fellow honorary degree recipients Marvalene Hughes, president, Dillard University in New Orleans; Thomas W. Payzant, superintendent, Boston Public Schools; and Sylvia Poggioli, senior European correspondent, National Public Radio.
"Senator Obama's tireless work as a civil rights attorney and his diligent legislative efforts on behalf of veterans, children, working families and the environment resonate deeply with our campus," Chancellor Collins said. "He will be addressing New England's most diverse public university with a faculty and student body who share his commitment to public service and America's future."
Dedicated to building stronger communities, Sen. Obama has been a powerful advocate as a community organizer, civil rights attorney, and leader in the Illinois state Senate, where he served for seven years. Sen. Obama now serves on the important Environment and Public Works Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee. He and his wife, Michelle, and their two children live on Chicago's South Side.
"In addition to Senator Obama, the Class of 2006 will be joined by honorary degree recipients who have dedicated their lives to leading urban public schools, delivering the promise of higher education and getting the story right no matter how dangerous the journalistic assignment," Collins said. "It is fitting that our new graduates, who have demonstrated such passion and dedication pursuing their academic degrees, will be joined by leaders who share those same senses of commitment and sacrifice."
Dillard University President Marvalene Hughes has made it her mission to abide by the university's motto of ex fide, fortis " "from faith, courage" " in the wake of the severe damage the New Orleans campus suffered during Hurricane Katrina. Along with the structural damage sustained by the university, the challenge still remains, for this president in her first year, to recreate a tight-knit community of dedicated employees and students. Dr. Hughes will be honored for her academic leadership in the time of natural disaster.
Boston Public Schools Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant has served in his post for 11 years, during which time he has carried out a blueprint for educational reform through Focus on Children, a comprehensive improvement plan that targets all schools. Working closely with leaders of the Boston business community, Dr. Payzant has raised more than $30 million to support professional development in every Boston school. As a result, Boston students and schools have demonstrated a consistent pattern of continuous improvement in literacy and mathematics in virtually every grade on a variety of rigorous assessments. Dr. Payzant will be recognized for his commitment to the City of Boston.
As National Public Radio's Senior European Correspondent, Sylvia Poggioli reports from postings across the globe. Based in Rome, Italy, Poggioli reports often from the Balkans; other parts of Europe; and the Middle East. Poggioli can be heard on NPR's award-winning newsmagazines Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition. Poggioli's reports on the Bosnian conflict in 1993 earned her the George Foster Peabody Award and the Edward Weintal Journalism. Poggioli, whose late mother was a long-time UMass Boston professor, grew up in Cambridge, where she graduated from Harvard College in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in romance languages and literature. Ms. Poggioli will be honored for her commitment to the highest standards of journalism.
Established in 1964, UMass Boston prides itself on providing challenging teaching, distinguished research, and extensive public service to Boston and the Commonwealth. Committed to access and excellence, the 12,000-student campus on Boston Harbor offers undergraduate and graduate studies in more 150 fields. For more information, please see http://www.umb.edu.
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