Sen. Kerry to Deliver Keynote at 2008 Commencement

University of Massachusetts Lowell Commencement
Saturday, May 31 at 10 a.m.
Tsongas Arena

U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass) and five honorary degree recipients will be featured at the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s commencement on Saturday, May 31 at 10 a.m. at the Tsongas Arena. Sen. Kerry will deliver the commencement address to nearly 2,000 graduates who are expected to receive bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The University is also honoring five outstanding individuals with honorary doctoral degrees. Honorary degree recipients include Gururaj "Desh" Deshpande, Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Mary Jo Leahey, Gerald Martone and Edward O. Wilson. In a change from recent years, the names of all graduates will be called at the commencement ceremony and they will process across the stage. Individual college receptions with light refreshments will follow. Official diplomas will be mailed to graduates over the summer. This year, for the first time, a scholarship fundraising dinner will be hosted by Chancellor Meehan the night before commencement, during which the honorary degree recipients, distinguished alumni and student award recipients will be acknowledged.  The University also will honor Thomas O’Connor with the Distinguished Alumni Award.  Read the University's official Commencement announcement here.