Despite rain and a pervasive chill, Boston College graduated the class of 2009 during the 133rd Commencement Exercises on Monday morning. Family, friends, faculty, and administrators filled Alumni Stadium to celebrate the achievements of the graduates, who huddled under a sea of umbrellas and blankets while many onlookers took cover in Conte Forum as the University bestowed baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees to 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
After the Rev. Michael G. Boughton, S.J., director of the Center for Ignatian Spirituality, gave the invocation, University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., offered welcoming remarks.
He thanked the departing graduates for the contributions they have made to BC over the years they have spent on its campus: "You enlivened our classrooms, theatre, libraries, residence halls, and playing fields. You brought spirit and joy not only to faculty and staff who worked with you at BC but also to people off campus whose lives you touched in your volunteer activities," he said. "Boston College is a different place because you have been part of our community, and we are grateful."
Leahy also advised students to allow their graduation to serve as a looking glass through which to reflect on their calling in life, reminding graduates that "Talent and gifts are to be used responsibly and for the good of others."
In conclusion, he spoke of the "tough global issues" in which the United States is currently embroiled, offering graduates the words of the prophet Jeremiah in consolation: "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
In addition to conferring degrees on undergraduate and graduate students, provost and dean of faculties, Cutberto Garza, presented honorary degrees to five other individuals. Margot Cameron Connell received the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters for her commitment to "the ideals of family, leadership, generosity, and devoted service so admired and valued by our community," Garza said. In addition to mothering six Boston College graduates as the wife of the late William F. Connell, for whom the school of nursing is named, Margot has devoted herself to philanthropic endeavors and serving as the co-chair of the Light the World campaign.
Joseph E. Corcoran was awarded the degree of Doctor of Business Administration for his leadership in the development of mixed-income housing, and for giving "hope and a new beginning to those once trapped in the nation's poorest public housing projects."
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