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Previous Speakers & Honorees
The University bestows a number of honors and awards during the annual Commencement exercises. Honors and awards include Honorary Degrees, Chancellor's Medals, Distinguished Faculty Awards and the JFK Award for Academic Excellence. Explanations of these honors and awards, along with previous recipients, are listed below.
Honorary Degree Recipients
Candidates for honorary degrees shall be persons of great accomplishment and high ethical standards who exemplify the ideals of the University of Massachusetts Boston. UMass Boston is fortunate to have such an impressive list of recipients which include government officials, journalists, authors, artists, and athletes.
Honorary Degree Recipients
*Recipients listed by name, qualifications for the honorary degree, type of honorary degree awarded and any special notes pertaining to the recipient.
1979
Ruth Gordan - Quincy-born actress, playwright and author - Doctor of Fine Arts
Frank J. Manning - Public servant, advocate for older Americans - Doctor of Laws
Cyril Stanley Smith - Businessperson, expert on history of metals - Doctor of Science
Edouard A. Stackpole - Historian, author, editor - Doctor of Humane Letters
Benjamin Thompson - Architect, historical preservationist - Doctor of Fine Arts - Commencement Speaker
1980
Florence Luscomb - Women's rights advocate - Doctor of Laws
Philip J. McNiff - Director of Boston Public Library - Doctor of Humane Letters
I.M. Pei - World-renowned architect - Doctor of Fine Arts
Andrew Young - Civil rights and religious leader, U.N. Ambassador - Doctor of Laws
1981
Bishop Edward G. Carroll - Pastor, educator, community leader - Doctor of Humane Letters
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy - Philanthropist advocate for handicapped rights - Doctor of Humane Letters - Commencement Speaker
Harold J. Russell - Veteran, advocate for handicapped rights - Doctor of Humane Letters
Frederick S. Troy - Scholar, teacher, UMass Trustee - Doctor of Humane Letters
1982
Arnold Auerbach - Boston Celtics Coach - Doctor of Humane Letters
Marian Wright Edelman - Social reformer, child advocate - Doctor of Humane Letters - Commencement Speaker
Oscar Handlin - Historian - Doctor of Humane Letters
Louise Hussey - Nantucket historian and librarian - Doctor of Humane Letters
1983
Helen M. Caldicott M.B., B.S. - Physician, peace advocate – Doctor of Humane Letters - Commencement Speaker
Dan Huntington Fenn Jr. - John F. Kennedy Library Director – Doctor of Humane Letters
George Kenneally Jr. - Public servant, higher education supporter – Doctor of Humane Letters
Alice Walker - Pulitzer Prize-winning author – Doctor of Humane Letters
1984
Reverend James K. Allen - Pastor, First Parish Church in Dorchester, educator – Doctor of Humane Letters
Ellen Jackson - Writer, education rights activist, METCO leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
Roderick M. MacDougall - Businessperson, philanthropist – Doctor of Laws
Hon. David G. Nelson - Federal District Court judge – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Richard H. O'Connell - Boston Red Sox General Manager, philanthropist – Doctor of Humane Letters
James O'Leary - Public servant, distinguished alumnus – Doctor of Laws
1985
John Hume - Peace advocate, Nobel Prize laureate – Doctor of Humane Letters - Commencement Speaker
Natalie Jacobson - Award-winning journalist – Doctor of Humane Letters
Reverend Eugene P. McNamara - Human service advocate – Doctor of Humane Letters
Alvan S. Ryan - Writer, educator, UMB professor – Doctor of Humane Letters
Stephen J. Sweeney – Businessperson, philanthropist – Doctor of Humane Letters
Hon. Joseph L. Tauro - Federal judge, social justice advocate – Doctor of Laws
Dorothy West – Writer – Doctor of Humane Letters
Clifton R. Wharton Jr. - Higher education leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
1986
John Cullinane - Businessperson, philanthropist – Doctor of Humane Letters
Anna Faith Jones - Businessperson, philanthropist – Doctor of Humane Letters
Stanton I. Kurzman - Businessman, education advocate – Doctor of Humane Letters
John Joseph Moakley - Public servant, Congressman, human rights advocate – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Henry Rosovsky - Economist, higher education leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
1987
Shirley Chisholm - Public servant, civil rights activist – Doctor of Laws
A. Bartlett Giamatti - President of Yale University, Baseball Commissioner – Doctor of Humane Letters - Commencement Speaker
Edward E. Phillips - Businessperson, education advocate – Doctor of Humane Letters
William V. Shannon - Author, educator, US Ambassador to Ireland – Doctor of Humane Letters
Laval S. Wilson - Superintendent of Boston Public Schools – Doctor of Humane Letters
1988
Paul M. Fye - Educator, scientist (Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst.) – Doctor of Science
Ronald A. Homer - Businessperson, minority business advocate – Doctor of Humane Letters
Hon. John F. Kerry - United States Senator – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Bernard J. O'Keefe - Engineer, entrepreneur, community leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
Clare Van Ummerson - Higher education leader – Doctor of Science
1989
Ernest L. Boyer - Education leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
Charlayne Hunter-Gault - Emmy-winning journalist – Doctor of Humane Letters
Philip Johnston - Public servant, Democratic Party leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
Everett C. Koop MD - Health Advocate, Surgeon General of the U.S. – Doctor of Science - Commencement Speaker
Margaret E. Kuhn - Author, elder law advocate – Doctor of Laws
Robert M. Solow – Economist, author – Doctor of Science
John T. Williams - Musician, composer, Boston Pops Conductor – Doctor of Fine Arts
1990
Joan Toland Bok - Businessperson, education and literacy advocate – Doctor of Laws
Elsie Frank - Advocate for senior citizens – Doctor of Laws
Henry Hampton - Award-winning television producer – Doctor of Humane Letters
Elma Lewis - Teacher, arts advocate, community leader – Doctor of Fine Arts - at 25th Anniversary Celebration
Arnold L. Mitchem - Education leader – Doctor of Laws - at 25th Anniversary Celebration
Arthur R. Osborn - Labor advocate – Doctor of Laws
Robert Redford - Director, actor, environmentalist – Doctor of Science - Remarks at Commencement
Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. - Historian. Pulitzer Prize-winning author – Doctor of Humane Letters
Donald James Woods - Journalist, author, anti-apartheid activist – Doctor of Humane Letters - Commencement Speaker
1991
Sissela Bok - Philosopher, writer – Doctor of Humane Letters
Wayne Budd - Attorney, community leader – Doctor of Laws
Abba Eban - Author, statesman – Doctor of Laws
Jaime Escalante - Education leader – Doctor of Science
Arthur S. Flemming - Educator, advocate for elderly Doctor of Laws
Maxine Hong Kingston - Writer, teacher – Doctor of Humane Letters
Leon Lederman - Physicist, Nobel Prize winner – Doctor of Science - Commencement Speaker
1992
D. Allan Bromley - Physicist, presidential advisor – Doctor of Laws
Sammy Cahn - Musician, composer – Doctor of Fine Arts - at Gerontology Graduation
Benjamin S. Carson - Pediatric surgeon, community leader Doctor of Science - Commencement Speaker
Mildred Dresselhaus - Leader in physics and engineering – Doctor of Science
Gerda Lerner - Scholar, pioneer in women's history – Doctor of Humane Letters
Peter Lynch - Financier, philanthropist – Doctor of Laws - at College of Management Convocation
Robert H. Quinn - Public servant, a founding father of UMB – Doctor of Laws
1993
Ruth Batson - Education leader, advocate for children – Doctor of Laws
Hon. Brian Donnelly - Public servant, Congressman – Doctor of Laws
Henry Louis "Skip" Gates - Educator, author - Doctor of Humane Letters
Roelof Petrus Meyer - South African anti-apartheid leader – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Paul C. O'Brien - Businessperson, higher education supporter – Doctor of Laws
Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa - South African anti-apartheid leader – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Louis "Studs" Terkel - Author, radio personality – Doctor of Humane Letters
1994
Jack Beatty - Journalist, editor of the "Atlantic Monthly" – Doctor of Humane Letters
Reverend Michael E. Haynes - Community leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
Philip Morrison - Physicist, astronomer, educator – Doctor of Science
Lloyd G. Richards – Director, arts advocate – Doctor of Humane Letters
Eunice Kennedy Shriver - Philanthropist, founder of Special Olympics – Doctor of Humane Letters
1995
Elaine Kim - Writer, activist – Doctor of Humane Letters
Bruce Marks - Professional dancer, artistic director Boston Ballet – Doctor of Fine Arts
Cathy E. Minehan - Businessperson, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston – Doctor of Laws
Hon. Pedro Rossello - Governor of Puerto Rico – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Arnold Shapiro - Television producer – Doctor of Fine Arts
1996
Harry Belafonte - Singer, human rights leader – Doctor of Laws
Alan J. Brightman - Advocate for people with disabilities – Doctor of Science
Lawrence S. DiCara - Attorney, public servant – Doctor of Laws
Rosabeth Moss Kanter - Businessperson, scholar, teacher – Doctor of Laws
Ruth S. Morgenthau - Public servant, political advisor Doctor of Laws
Jessye Norman - World famous opera singer and arts advocate – Doctor of Fine Arts - Commencement Speaker
1997
Sidney Fine - Historian, educator – Doctor of Laws
Reverend J. Donald Monan SJ - Higher education leader, President of Boston College – Doctor of Laws
Lynn Sherr - Journalist, author – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Donna Summer - Professional singer – Doctor of Fine Arts
William O. Taylor - Businessperson, publisher – Doctor of Laws
Maurice "Mo" Vaughn - Athlete, community builder – Doctor of Laws
Reverend Avery Dulles SJ - Theologian, author, lecturer – Doctor of Laws
1998
Teresa Heinz - Businessperson philanthropist – Doctor of Laws
Donald H. Henley - Musician, environmentalist – Doctor of Laws
Carl Lewis - Olympic athlete – Doctor of Laws
David McCullough - Historian, author – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Raul Yzaguirre - Businessperson, public servant, Hispanic leader – Doctor of Laws
1999
Daniel Goleman - Journalist, behavioral science writer – Doctor of Laws
Judith Jamison - Artistic Director Alvin Ailey Dance Theater – Doctor of Fine Arts
John Lewis - Civil rights leader – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Christopher F. Patten - International civil rights leader, Northern Ireland – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Donald E. Rodman - Businessperson, community leader – Doctor of Laws
2000
Estela Barnes de Carlotto - Human rights leader in Argentina – Doctor of Humane Letters
Rosa Tarlovsky de Roisinblit - Human rights leader in Argentina – Doctor of Humane Letters
Robert Durand - Civic leader, environmentalist – Doctor of Humane Letters
Lawrence K. Fish - Businessperson, community leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
Robert A. Glassman - Businessperson, community leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
Raymond Alexander Hammond II - Pastor, community leader – Doctor of Humane Letters - Commencement Speaker
Hon. Claude D. Pepper - Public servant, Congressman – Doctor of Laws
W. Davis Taylor - Journalist, publisher of "The Boston Globe" – Doctor of Humane Letters
2001
James T. Brett - Public servant, business leader – Doctor of Laws
Hon. A. David Mazzone - Federal District Court Judge – Doctor of Laws
Will McDonough – Journalist – Doctor of Laws
Jonathan Schell - Journalist, peace activist – Doctor of Laws
M.S. Swaminathan - Agricultural scientist – Doctor of Science - Commencement Speaker
Lily Yeh - Artist, social activist – Doctor of Humane Letters
2002
Chinua Achebe – Author – Doctor of Humane Letters
Bill Russell – Athlete – Doctor of Laws
Tim Russert - Journalist, Moderator of "Meet the Press" – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Thomas F. Shields - Businessperson, philanthropist – Doctor of Laws
2003
Cam Neely - Athlete, philanthropist – Doctor of Laws
Iognaid G. O Muircheartaigh - President, National University of Ireland – Doctor of Laws
2004
Ed Forry - Newspaper publisher, community leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
Dennis Lehane - Bestselling author – Doctor of Humane Letters - Commencement Speaker
Vivian Pinn - Public health policy leader – Doctor of Science
Ronald Takaki - Diversity scholar, author – Doctor of Humane Letters
2005
Hon. Leonel Fernandez - President of the Dominican Republic – Doctor of Laws
Emily Rooney – Journalist – Doctor of Humane Letters - Commencement Speaker
John Ruffin - Minority health leader – Doctor of Science
Gail Snowden - Businessperson, community development leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
Steven Tyler - Professional singer – Doctor of Humane Letters
2006
Marvalene Hughes - President of Dillard University, New Orleans, LA – Doctor of Laws
Hon. Barack Obama - U.S. Senator from Illinois – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Thomas Payzant - Superintendent of Boston Public Schools – Doctor of Laws
Sylvia Poggioli - Sr. European Correspondent for Nat'l Public Radio – Doctor of Humane Letters
2007
Robert K. Kraft - Businessperson, philanthropist, owner of NE Patriots – Doctor of Laws
Henricus ("Henri") A. Termeer - Humanitarian, pioneer in drug development – Doctor of Science
2008
Ronald E. Logue - Businessperson, philanthropist, CEO of State Street – Doctor of Laws
Sarah Moten - Education Div Chief of Africa Bureau for USAID – Doctor of Laws
Dan Rea - Journalist, Radio Host on WBZ1030 – Doctor of Humane Letters
Gloria White-Hammond - Reverend, Pediatrician, Humanitarian – Doctor of Science - Commencement Speaker
2009
Joseph P. Kennedy II - Social Entrepreneur, CEO of Citizen's Energy – Doctor of Laws
Margaret Leonard - Sister, Community Leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
Edwin C. Moses - Olympic Athlete, philanthropist – Doctor of Science
2010
Victoria Reggie Kennedy - Advocate for families, gun safety - Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
George A. Russell Jr. - Businessperson, community leader, philanthropist – Doctor of Laws
Daisaku Ikeda - Buddhist leader, educator, writer – Doctor of Humane Letters - Awarded in Japan on Nov 21, 2010
2011
Lawrence (Larry) Lucchino - Businessperson, philanthropist, CEO of Red Sox – Doctor of Laws
Charles Adrian Rose - Community leader, founder of City Year – Doctor of Humane Letters
Frances Wang West - Businessperson, advocate for disabled (IBM) – Doctor of Science
2012
Ernest Lynton - Leader in higher education, professor – Doctor of Science - Awarded Posthumously
Carla Lynton - Philanthropist, advocate for the blind – Doctor of Science
James Wuye - Pastor, peacebuilder, mediator – Doctor of Laws
Muhammad Ashafa - Imam, peacebuilder, mediator – Doctor of Laws
Jackie Jenkins-Scott - President of Wheelock College, educator – Doctor of Laws
2013
Jack Dangermond - President of Esri – Doctor of Science
James Gustave "Gus" Speth - Natural Resources Defense Council and the World Resources Institute – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Tererai Trent - Speaker, philanthropist – Doctor of Science
2014
Christiana Figueres - Speaker, environmentalist – Doctor of Laws - Commencement Speaker
Melvin H. King - Former politician, civic leader – Doctor of Humane Letters
Feng WU – Environmentalist – Doctor of Science
2015
John "Jack" M. Connors Jr. - Philanthropist, businessperson – Doctor of Laws
Haidi ZHANG - Advocate for disabled (CFDP), speaker – Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters
Bernard Osher - Philanthropist, businessperson – Doctor of Humane Letters
Hon. Deval L. Patrick - Former governor of MA – Doctor of Laws
2016
Hon. Roderick L. Ireland - MA Supreme Court Justice – Doctor of Laws
Suzanne Lee - Former BPS administrator, community leader – Doctor of Laws
Susan Akello Mboya - President, Coca-Cola International Foundation – Doctor of Science
Hon. Louis Stokes - Congressman from Ohio – Doctor of Science - Awarded Posthumously, rec'd by daughter
2017
Yehudi Wyner - Chamber musician/composer – Doctor of Fine Arts
Gerald L. Chan - Biomedical researcher & investor – Doctor of Science Graduate - Commencement Speaker
Eileen Pollack - Prolific, award-winning author – Doctor of Science
Irina Bokova - First woman director-general, UNESCO – Doctor of Science - Undergraduate Commencement Speaker
2018
Hon. Barnett "Barney" Frank - Former Congressman, politician – Doctor of Humane Letters - Graduate Commencement Speaker
Geoffrey Canada - Urban education advocate & leader – Doctor of Humane Letters - Undergraduate Commencement Speaker
Paul T. Anastas - Green chemistry leader – Doctor of Science
2019
Barry Mills - Former interim chancellor – Doctor of Laws - Graduate Commencement Speaker
Claudia Rankine - Poet and author, Frederick Iseman Professor of Poetry at Yale – Doctor of Humane Letters
Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda - Human rights lawyer and activist, CEO of Rozaria Memorial Trust – Doctor of Laws
Mary L. Bonauto - Civil Rights Project Director at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) – Doctor of Laws
Paul English - CTO of Lola.com, cofounder of KAYAK – Doctor of Science
2020
Robert Rabin Siegal - Director of Vieques Historic Archive – Doctor of Humane Letters - Awarded virtually on November 30, 2020
2022
Robert Hildreth - Founder & President of Hildreth Institute, Inversant, LaVida Scholars – Doctor of Humane Letters
Marie-Marguerite B. Clérié - Doctor of Humane Letters
Guylène Bouchereau Salès - Doctor of Humane Letters
Robert L. Rabin Siegal '77 - Doctor of Humane Letters - Awarded Posthumously
2023
Jorge Ramos - Journalist, media/television – Doctor of Humane Letters
Veerabhadran – Ramanathan - Climate Scientist – Doctor of Science
2024
Hon. Roberto Andrés Gallardo - Judge, President of Pan-American Committee of Judges for Social Rights and Franciscan Doctrine – Doctor of Humane Letters
2025
Cathleen Douglas Stone - President, James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Foundation – Doctor of Humane Letters
Hon. Martin J. Walsh - Former Mayor of Boston and U.S. Secretary of Labor – Doctor of Humane Letters
Chancellor's Medal Recipients
For centuries, universities have awarded honorary degrees as ways of recognizing extraordinary achievement and affirming institutional values. Our own university’s policy is typical: the recipients of honorary degrees “shall be persons of great accomplishment and high ethical standards who exemplify the ideals of the University of Massachusetts”; recipients may not, however, hold federal or state elective office in Massachusetts. The Chancellor’s Medal is a similarly high honor, presented to “distinguished leaders, both in the public and the private sectors, and to outstanding members of our campus community, in recognition of meritorious service to the University and the Commonwealth.”
Chancellor's Medal Recipients
*Recipients listed by name, qualifications for award and type of Chancellor's Medal awarded.
1984
Presented by Chancellor Robert Corrigan
Dr. George Goodwin Jr. - UMB founding faculty - "Chancellor's Medal" (first recipient)
1986
Presented by Chancellor Robert Corrigan
James E. Blackwell - UMB sociology professor - "Chancellor's Medal" (unspecified)
Sherman L. Hart - Women's track coach- national championships - "Chancellor's Medal" (unspecified)
Constance Holsberg - UMB nurse (saved a life) - "Chancellor's Medal for Meritorious Service"
Ernest A. Lynton - UMB Professor - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
D. Leo Monahan - UMB Dir. of Public Information - "Chancellor's Medal for Meritorious Service"
Carolyn Sygiel - Campus public safety officer (saved a life) - "Chancellor's Medal for Meritorious Service"
1987
Presented by Chancellor Robert Corrigan
Hon. James Brett - State Representative - prestigious "Chancellor's Medal"
Hon. Stanley Schwartz - State Representative - "Chancellor's Medal for Meritorious Service"
1988
Presented by Chancellor Robert Corrigan
Dr. Joseph Cooney - UMB faculty - "Chancellor's Medal" for extraordinary service
Charles Desmond - UMB exec. Staff - "Chancellor's Medal" for extraordinary service
1989
Presented by Chancellor Sherry Penney
Hon. Edward M. Kennedy - U.S. Senator - "Chancellor's Medal" (unspecified)
1991
Presented by Chancellor Sherry Penney
Alton Brann - Charter class alumnus - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
1994
Presented by Chancellor Sherry Penney
Thomas Menino - Mayor of Boston, alumnus - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
1997
Presented by Chancellor Sherry Penney
Hon. Queen Silvia - Queen of Sweden - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
1998
Presented by Chancellor Sherry Penney
Edward Glynn SJ - UMB Provost, 97-98 - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
2001
Presented by Chancellor Sherry Penney
Hubie Jones - UMB urban affairs special assistant - "Chancellor's Medal" (unspecified)
2003
Presented by Chancellor Jo Ann Gora
Hon. Jarrett T. Barrios - Massachusetts State Senator - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
Marian Wright Edelman - Children's Defense Fund - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
2004
Presented by Chancellor Jo Ann Gora
Rev. Kathleene Card - Pastor, alumna - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
Hon. Thomas Menino - Mayor of Boston, alumnus - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
Clayton Turnbull - Business leader, alumnus - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
2005
Presented by Chancellor J. Keith Motley
Dr. Jean R. Elrick - Alum, leader in medicine - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
Arthur N. Mabbett - Alum, leader in business - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
Pamela L. Trefler - Alum, leader in education - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
2006
Presented by Chancellor Michael Collins
Fabio Dovalle - UMB student, saved woman in car - "Chancellor's Medal for Valor"
John St. Ives - UMB Public Safety Officer,saved woman in car - "Chancellor's Medal for Valor"
2007
Presented by Chancellor Michael Collins
Clementina Cherry - Community activist, youth/gang violence opponent - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
Hon. Deval Patrick – Governor - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
2009
Presented by Chancellor J. Keith Motley
Charles Desmond - Higher Education - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
Hon. John Forbes Kerry - US Senator - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
Hon. Sadri Ferati - Minister of Local Government Administration Republic of Kosovo - "Chancellor's Medal for International Peace and Reconciliation"
Dragan Spasojevic - Citizens Movement for Kosovska Mitrovica Republic of Serbia - "Chancellor's Medal for International Peace and Reconciliation"
2010
Presented by Chancellor J. Keith Motley
John F. Looney Jr. - Retiring UMass Boston professor - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
Hon. Edward J. Markey - US Congressman - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
2011
Presented by Chancellor J. Keith Motley
Robert K. Sheridan - Business leader, former Chair of Board of Trustees - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
James A. Calhoun - College basketball coach, philanthropist - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
Dr. Muriel A. Howard - Higher Education Leader/President of AASCU - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
Jack M. Wilson - Higher Education/President of UMass System - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
2012
Presented by Chancellor J. Keith Motley
Peter J. Berlandi - Business leader, mentor, philanthropist - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
Hon. Anwarul Chowdhury - UN Ambassador to Bangladesh - "Chancellor’s Medal for Global Leadership for Peace"
2013
Presented by Chancellor J. Keith Motley
Aari Najmuldeen Jabari - General Director - INSAN Iraqi Society - "Chancellor's Medal for International Peace and Reconciliation"
James Brett - CEO, New England Council - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
Mary Evelyn Tucker - Yale Faculty, School of Forestry and Env. Studies/Divinity School - "Chancellor's Medal for our Joint and Common Future"
John Grim - Yale Faculty, School of Forestry and Env. Studies/Divinity School - "Chancellor's Medal for our Joint and Common Future"
2014
Presented by Chancellor J. Keith Motley
Richard P. Campbell - Trustee, philanthropist, lawyer, business leader - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
2015
Presented by Chancellor J. Keith Motley
Robert Corrigan - Chancellor of UMass Boston, 1979-1988 - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
Sherry Penney - Chancellor of UMass Boston, 1988-1995, 1996-2000 - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
JoAnn Gora - Chancellor of UMass Boston, 2001-2004 - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
Michael F. Collins - Chancellor of UMass Boston, 2005-2007 - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
Jean MacCormack - Interim Chancellor of UMass Boston, 1995-1996 - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
Hubie Jones - Community activist, scholar - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service for human and societal development"
Gina McCarthy - EPA Administrator, alumna, commencement speaker - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service to society through environmental protection"
2016
Presented by Chancellor J. Keith Motley
Hon. Seth Moulton - Congressman for Massachusetts - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership and Service"
Gerard "Jerry" White - Human rights activist, CEO Global Impact Strategies - "Chancellor's Medal for Global Leadership for Peace"
2017
Presented by Chancellor J. Keith Motley
Richard E. Holbrook - Former chairman and chief executive of Eastern Bank - "Chancellor’s Medal for Leadership in Civic and Corporate Development"
Richard Galvin - President and founder of Boston-based CV Properties, LLC - "Chancellor’s Medal for Leadership in Community and Commercial Development"
2019
Presented by Chancellor Katherine Newman
Hon. Ayanna Pressley - Congresswoman for Massachusetts (first woman of color to be elected for Mass.) - "Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership"
2020
Presented by Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco
Adrian Walker - Boston Globe Columnist - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
2021
Presented by Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco
Kathleen Theoharides - Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
2022
Presented by Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco
Hon. Michelle Wu - Mayor of Boston - "Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service"
2023
Presented by Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco
Hon. Elizabeth Warren - US Senator - Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service
Robert Hale - CEO Granite Telecommunications, Philanthropist - Chancellor's Medal for Exemplary Leadership
Hon. Stephen Lynch - US Congressman - Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service
2024
Presented by Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco
Hon. Kim Driscoll - Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts - Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service
2025
Presented by Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco
Hon. Andrea Joy Campbell - Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service
Hon. Janet T. Mills - Governor of Maine, UMass Boston Class of 1970 - Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service
Hon. Michael J. Moran - House of Representatives Majority Leader, UMass Boston Class of 1996 - Chancellor's Medal for Distinguished Service
Distinguished Faculty Awards
The University of Massachusetts Boston is rightly recognized for the excellence of its faculty. Each year at commencement, we celebrate the accomplishments of faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional contributions in one of the three primary areas of faculty responsibility by presenting them with the Chancellor’s Awards for Distinguished Scholarship, Service and Teaching.
Chancellor's Faculty Award for Distinguished Scholarship Recipients
*Recipients listed by name and department.
1978
Ethan Bolker - Math & Computer Science
Taylor Stoehr - English
1979
James Green - General Center
F. Russell Hart - English
1980
Richard Horsley - Religious Studies
Robert Weiss - Sociology
1981
Lawrence Blum – Philosophy
Kamaljit Bawa – Biology
Frank Nisetich - Classics
1982
Glenn Tinder - Political Science
James Blackwell - Sociology
1983
Irvin Stock
1984
Richard Yarde
1985
Padraig O'Malley - McCormack Institute
1986
Eric Robinson - History
1987
Jane R. Martin - Philosophy
1988
Manickam Sugumaran – Biology
Mary Helen Washington - English
1989
Richard Horsley - Religious Studies
Nicholas E. Tawa - Music
1990
Garrison Wilkes - Biology
1991
Paul Tucker - Art
1992
D.V.G.L.N. Rao - Physics
1993
Clive Foss - History
1994
Lawrence Blum - Philosophy
1995
Diana Burgin - Modern Languages
1996
Susan Horton - English
1997
Viven A. Schmidt - Political Science
1998
Manickam Sugumaran - Biology
1999
Paul Tucker - Art
2000
Julie Winch - History
2001
Diane Paul - Political Science
2002
Michael Rex - Biology
2003
Paul Nestor - Psychology
2004
Randy Albelda - Economics
2005
Esther Kingston-Mann - American Studies Program
2006
Jacqueline M. Fawcett - CNHS
2007
Jennifer H. Radden - Philosophy
2008
Robert Shope - Philosophy
Gary Siperstein - Ctr for Social Development/Education
2009
Kenneth Kleene - Biology
2010
Lloyd Schwartz - English
2011
Alice Carter - Psychology
2012
Rachel Rubin - American Studies Program
John Tobin - English
2013
Lizabeth Roemer - Psychology
2014
Elizabeth Fay - English
2015
Jean Rhodes - Psychology
2016
David Levy - Management
2017
Maxim Olchanyi - Physics
2018
Julie Nelson - Economics
2019
Crystal Schaaf - School for the Environment
2020
Heidi Levitt - Department of Psychology
2021
Christopher Fuchs - Department of Physics
2022
Mark Warren - Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs
2023
David Pantalone - Department of Psychology
2024
Peter Kiang - Asian American Studies
2025
Elora Chowdhury - Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Chancellor's Faculty Award for Distinguished Service Recipients
*Recipients listed by name and department.
2003
Timothy Sieber – Anthropology
John Lutts - Mathematics
2004
Vivian Zamel - English
2005
Steven Schwartz - Psychology
2006
Kamaljit S. Bawa - Biology
2007
Russell K. Schutt - Sociology
2008
Robert Crossley - English
2009
Miren Uriarte - Human Services
2010
Peter Kiang - Curr&Instruction/Asian American Studies
2011
Manickam Sugumaran - Biology
2012
Joan Liem - Psychology
2013
Paul Watanabe - Political Science
2014
Catherine Lynde - Economics
2015
William Robinson - School for the Environment
2016
Jan Mutchler - Gerontology
2017
Linda Dumas - Nursing
2018
Ellen Douglas - School for the Environment
Paul Kirshen - School for the Environment
2019
Randy Albelda - Economics
2020
Werner Kunz - Department of Marketing
2021
Tony Van Der Meer - Department of Africana Studies
Keith Jones - Department of Africana Studies
2022
Pratima Prasad - College of Liberal Arts
2023
Rachel Skvirsky - Department of Biology
2024
Laura Hayman - Department of Nursing
2025
Zong-Guo Xia - School for the Environment
Chancellor's Faculty Award for Distinguished Teaching Recipients
*Recipients listed by name and department.
1978
Neal Bruss – English
Patrica Jerabek
1979
Diana Burgin - Modern Languages
Clyde Evans - Philosophy
1980
Ruth Schmitter
Arthur Simonds - Political Science
1990
Paul Bookbinder - History
1993
Ann Withorn - Human Services Program
1996
David N. Patterson - Music
1997
Robert Guimond - Biology
1998
Michael Milburn - Psychology
1999
Estelle Disch - Sociology
2000
William Hagar - Biology
2001
Walter E. Weibrecht - Chemistry
2002
David Hunt - History
2003
Ethan Bolke - Computer Science
2004
Nelson Lande - Philosophy
2005
Linda Dittmar - English
2006
John P. Ebersole - Biology
2007
Peter N. Kiang - Asian American Studies
2008
Lois Rudnick - American Studies/English
2009
Brian White - Biology
2009
Peter Taylor - Education
2010
Robert Carter - Chemistry
2011
Vivian Zamel - English
2012
Stephanie Hartwell - Sociology
2013
Arindam Bandopadhyaya - Accounting and Finance
2014
Robert Chen - School for the Environment
2015
Erik Blaser - Psychology
2016
Shirley Suet-ling Tang - Asian American Studies
2017
Kenneth Rothwell - Classics
2018
Shoshanna Ehrlich - Women's and Gender Studies
2019
Karen Suyemoto - Psychology
2020
Elizabeth Bussiere - Department of Political Science
2021
Helen Poynton - School for the Environment
2022
Laurel Wainwright - Department of Psychology
2023
S. Tiffany Donaldson - Department of Psychology
2024
Suha Ballout - Department of Nursing
2025
Juanita Urban-Rich - School for the Environment
JFK Award for Academic Excellence
The JFK Award was originally discussed in 1976, in conjunction with the John F. Kennedy Library, and was first awarded in 1977. It was designed to be the highest commencement award that an undergraduate could receive. Nominees are evaluated on the basis of their academic record, their service contributions, and their overall contributions as a "citizen" of the university and of the world. The chosen recipient receives a bust of John F. Kennedy, an honorarium, and the opportunity to speak at the main university commencement ceremony.
JFK Award Recipients
*Recipients listed by name, college abbreviation and major.
1977
Donna Baker Ajgaonkar – CAS - Physics
1978
Anne Verdon – CAS - Psychology
1979
Linda A. Fay – CAS - Biology
1980
Robert Voss – CAS - Biology
1981
Diane Kimbrell MacDonnell – CAS - Biology
1982
Jean R. Elrick – CAS - Mathematics
1983
Jill J. Chaplin – CAS - Biology
1984
Leslie Colello – CM - Management
1985
Deborah Landstrom – CM - Management
1986
Deborah Springhetti – CM - Management
1987
Ana Ortiz – CAS - Anthropology
1988
Kathleen O'Toole – CN - Nursing
1989
Lisa Bevilacqua – CN - Nursing
1990
Barbara Robertson – CAS - Psychology
1991
John Fossa – Education - Elementary Education
1992
Danielle Roberts – CN - Nursing
1993
Margaret Adams – Education - Elementary Education
1994
Susan Hardwicke – CN - Nursing
1995
Bruce Stanfield – CAS - History
1996
Irene Balch – CM - Management
1997
Chico D. Colvard – CAS - Philosophy & Political Science
1998
Andrea Higgins – CAS - Theatre Arts
1999
Chukwuka Okafor – CAS - Biochemistry
2000
Colin S. Ward – CAS - Individual Major
2001
Marlyn Miller – CAS - History
2002
Ben B. Day – CAS - Philosophy & Political Science
2003
Esther R. Smith – CAS - Anthropology & Biology
2004
Janet K. Marcous – CPCS - Individual Major
2005
Kent Downing – CM - Finance
2006
Catherine Reyes - CSM - Biochemistry
2007
Najia Afshari – CPCS - Human Services Management
2008
Muna Kangsen – CLA - Political Science
2009
Dominque Powell - CLA
2010
Thao Xuan Do – CSM - Biology & Chemistry
2011
Alia MacPherson – CNHS - Nursing
2012
Albert Chen – CLA - Political Science
2013
Samuel Chandler – CM - International Management
2014
Shaun O’Grady – CLA - Psychology
2015
July Suarez – CLA - Women’s Studies
2016
Alexander Winnett – CSM - Biology
2017
Daniela Bravo-Terkia – CLA - Anthropology
2018
Christian Walkes – CLA - English
2019
Kristen Laird – CSM - Computer Science
2020
Maria Vasco – SFE - Environmental Studies and Sustainability
2021
Maurice Roberson – CLA - Africana Studies
2022
MG Xiong – CLA - Philosophy and Public Policy
2023
Lee-Daniel Tran – CLA - Community Development
2024
Rosita Beatriz Ramirez Ventura – CSM - Biochemistry
2025
Basim Naeem - CSM / Honors - Biology