Boston University President ad interim Aram Chobanian named the 132nd Commencement speakers and honorary degree recipients, including Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Boston Red Sox principal owner John Henry, at the Senior Breakfast last Friday.
In addition to speaking at Commencement May 22, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the keynote speaker, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson, the baccalaureate speaker, will also receive honorary degrees. Other recipients include artist and former BU professor David Aronson, Environmental Protection Agency administrator Christy Todd Whitman and Motorola CEO Edward Zander.
Vice President of Marketing and Communications Stephen Burgay said a committee comprised of the provost, trustees and senior faculty members selected all the honorary degree recipients based on a variety of criteria.
"The committee that looks at candidates has specific attributes in mind," he said. "They are based on different disciplines, prior BU connections, either as a BU graduate or another connection, accomplishments in their field, international distinction or in general, accomplishment in their work or arts and sciences field."
Burgay said each year the committee creates a list of prospective recipients and cuts it down to a reasonable number. Representatives then contact the recipients to see if they are available for the commencement date and willing to participate.
College of Arts and Sciences senior Jessica Butler said although the high-profile speakers will bring stature to the university, she hopes honoring graduating students will be their main concern.
"It is good publicity for the school, getting people like this to come speak," she said. "But I hope that they are not just coming for publicity. I hope that these people are genuinely influential, to give information to the graduating seniors."
Medical Center spokeswoman Ellen Berlin said after being contacted by university representatives, Kerry agreed to deliver BU Medical School's keynote speech, adding that former presidential candidate will also receive his degree at the ceremony.
"I think that he sees the prestige of the university and he values the platform of speaking at the School of Medicine," she said.
School of Management senior Patrick Murphy said he was pleased to see Kerry, Henry and Karzai on the list.
"I think they all individually have valid cause to be honored," he said. "Honorary degrees are not something that should be handed out lightly, but I feel each of these men has demonstrated a reason to be honored and I think they represent a well-rounded and interesting group of individuals - a businessman, a politician and a foreign dignitary. I think BU made a good decision to honor these men."
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