Katie Couric

Boston University today announced that Katie Couric, anchor and managing editor of The CBS Evening News, will deliver the commencement address at Boston University’s 138^th graduation ceremonies at BU’s Nickerson Field at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 22.

Ms. Couric will speak before more than 5,000 graduates and 20,000 guests at New England’s largest graduation ceremony a few weeks before she leaves her post at CBS.  Couric will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

BU President Robert A. Brown announced the commencement, baccalaureate speakers and honorary degree recipients to the members of the Class of 2011 this morning at the annual Senior Breakfast, held at the George Sherman Union.

Brown also revealed that Ahmed Zewail, Ph.D., who teaches at the California Institute of Technology and won a Nobel Prize in 1999 for his research into super-fast molecular transformations, will deliver the Commencement Day baccalaureate address at 11:00 a.m. at Marsh Chapel.  Dr. Zewail will also receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree.

The prestigious list of honorary degree recipients includes activist Victoria Reggie Kennedy (Doctor of Laws) who will also speak at the School of Social Work’s convocation; TV chef, author and BU instructor Jacques Pepin (Doctor of Humane Letters); painter Frank Stella (Doctor of Fine arts); and journalist Nina Totenberg (Doctor of Humane Letters).

Also announced today are the recipients of BU’s Metcalf Cup and Prize and Metcalf Awards for Excellence in Teaching.  Receiving the esteemed Metcalf Cup is Judith Chaffee, associate professor of movement at the College of Fine Arts.  This year’s Metcalf Award winners are Wayne LaMorte, assistant dean for education and professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health; and David Walker, Maurice Poch Faculty Research Scholar and professor at the School of Law.  The Metcalf Cup carries with it a prize of $10,000 and the Metcalf Award winners receive $5,000. Students, faculty and alumni nominate candidates for the awards established in 1973 by a gift from the late Boston University Board of Trustees chairman emeritus Arthur G.B. Metcalf.

The part-time program, which can be completed in eight consecutive semesters, consists of taking courses online, participating in a single, extended field internship within the student’s geographic area, and attending a one-time, four-day residency component on the BU campus.

“This program is an excellent addition to the fine programs we offer at the School of Social Work,” said Gail Steketee, Dean of the School of Social Work.  “It continues the School’s commitment to educate outstanding social work practitioners in the community and for the community.”

The program focuses on clinical practice with individuals, families, and groups, with an integrated curriculum that emphasizes ethical practice, and social and economic justice. Courses are delivered with both asynchronous and synchronous (real-time) components, with each course lasting seven weeks. The 65-credit program allows individuals to earn an MSW degree while continuing to live and work in their own communities.

The book, which highlights such iconic players as Babe Ruth, Tris Speaker, Harry Hooper, “Smokey” Joe Wood and Bill Carrigan, tells the story of baseball’s coming out party as a major professsional sports league and how the team put aside their cultural and political differences in the clubhouse to create greatness on the field.

In our ongoing efforts to keep the news media and general public alike updated on what BU faculty experts are thinking and saying about national and world events, Professor Voices was created to be a timely and one-stop collection of newsworthy commentary and analysis from our professors.  In addition, Professor Voices highlights the breadth and depth of research being conducted at the University.

BU Now will continue to focus on all things BU-related, from campus events and happenings to student news and voices.

P.J. Crowley

Event: P.J. Crowley – The Washington Perspective: Foreign Policy in 2011

Host: College of Communication (COM)

Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011

Time: 12 – 2 p.m.

Place: COM student lounge (640 Commonwealth Ave.)

Admission: Free and open to the public

P.J. Crowley, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Public Affairs, U.S. Dept. of State, is the public face of the Obama Administration’s foreign policy. Throughout the recent upheaval in the Middle East, Crowley has appeared regularly on CNN and news outlets throughout the world, giving the Administration’s perspective on the evolving crisis. Crowley has worked under Hillary Clinton for the past two years, handling communications for every international crisis, from the war in Afghanistan and the arrest of a CIA agent in Pakistan to the devastating earthquake in Haiti and the ongoing AIDS crisis in Africa.

When I look back on my time at Boston University, it seems that there’s very little I did outside of school that didn’t involve spending money.  Lots of it.  See, I have two speeds when it comes to money management: complete saver or complete spender.  And, since only about 0.072% of the cash I’ve earned remains from the umpteen jobs I’ve held while a student, it’s pretty clear that I’ve pretty much been in spending mode for three and a half years.

Now, I’ve had clothes binges and a kicks-fetish phase—my toe game was sick at one point—but there’s one thing on which I’ve spent loads more than all my other foolish/silly/awesome purchases combined.  Food.  If you still have a dining plan, you probably can’t relate to this.  But, once that thing’s gone and you’re living in an apartment and being expected to buy groceries and cook all the time (I know you hear me, juniors and seniors), then going out to eat becomes pretty second nature.  No matter how much you enjoy cooking, sometimes you just need to take the easy way out.

I admit, most of the time I’m spending a few bucks here for a sandwich and a couple more there for some pad thai.  But, if there’s one thing that you should do before graduating, it’s to go out and spend a ton of money on one meal.  That’s right.  One meal.

Before you grab that benjamin that Grandma gave you for Christmas and go to Sunset and get 6 orders of nachos and a table tap, you should know there are some rules. You have to go to a place that you’ve never considered as within the realm of possibility as an undergrad, i.e., expensive and off-campus (more on this later).  You have to dress up.  And, of course, you’ve got to convince a couple of your friends that this is an investment that’s totally worth it.

That last bit may be the hard part.  But, what you have to understand is not only is there amazing food in this city, but the experience of eating somewhere totally decadent is totally surreal.  Getting gussied up, having waiters who are legitimate experts on the courses they’re offering you, and paying for it yourself—not with mommy or daddy’s card—is really something special.  It’s almost impossible to describe.

Where to go?  I’m glad you asked.  Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Any restaurant owned by the Aquitaine Group:  This of course includes Aquitaine, but also the Gaslight Brasserie andMetropolis Café.  All terrific restaurants, all in the South End.  Totally gorgeous and delicious.

2. KO Prime Steakhouse and Bar:  If you’re into steak, this one and the next suggestion are for you.  Located downtown, it has great T access in addition to its edgy, urban, young-professional feel.

3. Mooo…: Another great steakhouse, right next to the State House in Beacon Hill.  A little quieter and more relaxed.

4. Eastern Standard:  A little afraid to leave the BU cocoon?  Check out Eastern Standard.  Great dinner menu, insanely good dessert, and, dare I say it, some of the best mixologists and cocktails in Boston.

Of course, do some of your own research.  And, if you need a little more convincing, just remember that Restaurant Week started yesterday.

Hosted by the College of Communication (COM), come hear from Gabriel Schoenfeld, author of the new book, Necessary Secrets: National Security, the Media and the Rule of Law.

Event: Can Leaks Threaten Our Democracy?

Host: College of Communication

Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Place: School of Management, 4th Floor Executive Dining Room (595 Commonwealth Ave.)

Admission: Free and open to the public

Harold Burson

Harold Burson, one of the world’s most successful public relations practitioners, will be honored Friday, February 18 when Boston University’s College of Communication (COM) helps him celebrate his 90th birthday with a symposium beginning at 1 p.m. in the Colloquium Room of the Photonics Center (8 St. Mary’s Street, Boston).  The event is free and open to the public.

Burson co-founded Burson-Marsteller, a leading public relations agency, with Bill Marsteller in 1953 and has been credited with introducing integrated communication marketing to public relations practice. Throughout his career, Burson has supported public relations research and education, developing training programs and mentoring young professionals. His company has a long history of collaboration with BU and has hired many Boston University COM graduates.  He also is responsible for funding the Harold Burson Professor and Chair in Public Relations at COM.

In 2000, PR Week named Burson as “the century’s most influential PR figure” in recognition of a culmination of more than 50 years of service as a counselor to and confidante of corporate CEOs, government leaders and heads of public sector institutions.

The highlight of BU’s birthday celebration will consist of a speech by Burson and he will be recognized and honored through remarks by COM students, alumni and faculty.

The College of Communication is hosting a lecture by Lauren Zalaznick, Chairman of the NBC Universal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media. One of Fortune’s “50 Most Powerful Women,” Zalaznick will discuss how she went from indie producer to corporate executive with chefs, housewives and celeb moms today from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM in the SMG Executive Dining Room (4th Floor).  The event is free and open to the public.