Founded in 1909, Lesley University expects to confer 2,174 degrees and 60 certificates this year, including 23 PhD’s, 1,674 Master’s, and 468 Bachelor’s.
The ceremony for Lesley’s two graduate schools will be held from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., and graduates will be addressed by Honorary Degree recipients Paul Reville, former Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a member of the Senior Faculty at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education; and Reverend Liz Walker, an Emmy Award-winning television journalist, documentary film producer, humanitarian and co-founder of My Sister’s Keeper, an advocacy organization for women and children in Sudan.
The ceremony for Lesley’s two undergraduate schools will be held from 2 – 4 p.m., and graduates will be addressed by Honorary Degree recipients Graham Nash, legendary singer-songwriter and co-founder of the Grammy Award-winning group Crosby, Stills & Nash; and David McCullough, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award.
“In markedly different ways, each of this year’s Honorary Degree recipients exemplifies the values that define a Lesley education: enhancing our culture through multifaceted arts and academics, building stronger communities and schools, and a passion for public service,” said Lesley University President Joseph B. Moore.
“We look forward to welcoming these accomplished individuals as they share their experiences with our graduates.”
About the Commencement Speakers
David McCullough – A prolific author and historian, David McCullough has won the Pulitzer Prize twice, the National Book Award twice, and has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He has been an editor, essayist, teacher, lecturer and familiar presence on public television, as host of “Smithsonian World, The American Experience,” and narrator of numerous documentaries including Ken Burns’s “The Civil War.” His is also the narrator’s voice in the movie “Seabiscuit.” His most recent book, “The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris,” is a New York Times bestseller, and his biography of John Adams, published in 2001, is hailed as one of the most widely read American biographies of all time. An avid reader, traveler, painter and speaker, McCullough has lectured throughout the country – including at the White House – and abroad. His awards include the Francis Parkman Prize, the National Book Foundation Distinguished Contribution to American Letters Award, and the National Humanities Medal.
Graham Nash – One of music’s most legendary singer-songwriters and vocal harmonists, Graham Nash is a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning group Crosby, Stills & Nash. Among the classic songs he composed for the band are “Teach Your Children” and “Our House.” Nash has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: once with The Hollies, in 2010; and once with Crosby, Stills & Nash, in 1997. Nash was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009. A photographer and digital imaging pioneer, Nash established Nash Editions in 1990, recognized by the Smithsonian for its role in the invention of digital fine art printing. His passionate voice continues to be heard in support of peace, and social and environmental justice. Born in Blackpool, England, Nash was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth in 2010. He is currently writing his memoir, which will be released this September. Photo credit: Eleanor Stills
Paul Reville – Paul Reville served nearly five years as the Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and is a Professor of Practice and a member of the Senior Faculty at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. During his accomplished career, Reville has worked to combine research, policy and practice. As Secretary of Education, he served as Governor Deval Patrick’s top education advisor and spokesman, established the Executive Office of Education, and oversaw higher education, K-12, and early childhood education in the nation’s leading student achievement state. He has been a member of the Harvard faculty since 1997 and has served as Director of the Education Policy and Management Program. Reville’s career began with service as a VISTA volunteer, youth worker, teacher and principal of two urban, alternative high schools. He founded the Alliance for Education, a local education foundation that was part of the national Public Education Network.
Reverend Liz Walker –Liz Walker is an ordained minister, Emmy Award-winning television journalist, documentary film producer and humanitarian. A familiar and beloved face to local television audiences, Walker was on air for 20 years at WBZ-TV and was Boston’s first African-American to anchor a major television newscast. Walker has worked most recently in war-torn southern Sudan, where she co-founded with Reverend Gloria White-Hammond, a 2012 Lesley University Honorary Degree Recipient, an organization called My Sister’s Keeper, a grass roots initiative that advocates for women and children who are trying to rebuild their country and their lives. A 2005 graduate of Harvard Divinity School, Walker combines her rich background in communications with her passion for serving the world, and she serves as a board member for a number of faith-based and humanitarian organizations. She is the recipient of two Emmy Awards, an Edward R. Murrow Award and special recognition from the prestigious Gabriel Awards for her on-air and documentary work.
Reville and Walker will address Lesley’s Graduate School of Education and Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences. McCullough and Nash will address Lesley’s College of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies and The Art Institute of Boston.
For more information about 2013 Lesley University Commencement, please read more here.