Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and Human Development conferred more than 350 degrees for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral recipients at the on Monday, May 22nd.
Thousands of family and friends filled the campus venues to celebrate the accomplishments of their 2017 Boston College graduates.
United States Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, one of America’s most prominent Catholic politicians, delivered the 2017 Commencement address during the morning’s University Commencement at Alumni Stadium. President William P. Leahy, S.J., presided over the ceremony and presented Casey with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
In Casey’s remarks, he commended the graduates on their commitments to service during their times at Boston College and called on them to continue serving others throughout their lives.
“With only one of three adults in the United States in college, you will have opportunities and advantages that others don’t have. Our nation needs you and we need your service in the years ahead…. Part-time or full-time, whatever type of service you choose, please make a commitment and remain ever steadfast in fulfilling that commitment,” said Casey.
This year’s Commencement included four other honorary degree recipients:
- Amy Guen (M.S.W. '52), longtime, Boston-area community activist;
- (B.A. '00, Ph.D.'07), Lynch School alumna and CEO of non-profit organization BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life);
- Chris O'Donnell (B.A. '92), film and television star; and
- Fr. Leo B. Shea (M.M. '60), missioner for Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
Dean Stanton Wortham, Ph.D., reflected on the Jesuit ideal, cura personalis, the philosophy of caring for the whole person, at the Lynch School’s Diploma Ceremony that afternoon. “This notion of educating the whole person is crucial,” said Wortham. “Our nation calls for a just community we do not live in yet.”
Echoing Wortham’s humanistic approach, Declan Foley, the graduate student speaker Master of Arts degree recipient, called on his peers to continue living the Lynch School’s Jesuit mission. “The only way to enhance the human condition is to do something fundamentally human: listening,” said Foley.
Individual schools, departments, and programs celebrated Boston College’s 141st Commencement with special events throughout the weekend. Photos of these events are available on the Lynch School of Education and Human Development’s social media channels: , Twitter, and Instagram. Follow along for more photos and videos using our hashtag #Lynch School2017.
