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New York Times photographer Tyler Hicks addresses BU COM graduates

Kira Jastive — Thu, 26 May 2011 17:19:59 +0000

Tyler Hicks (COM ’92), a BU alum and New York Times photographer who was held hostage in Libya for four days in March, was the speaker at the College of Communication’s (COM) convocation. He urged COM’s graduates to “bear witness.” Watch his address below:

Boston University Commencement 2011: Guide to content and live coverage

Jenny Mackintosh — Fri, 20 May 2011 13:10:25 +0000

Boston University’s 138th All-University Commencement will take place this Sunday, May 22, 2011. For a snapshot of the day’s coverage and ways to participate, check the sections below:

Commencement Coverage

- For news on Commencement, speaker profiles and Commencement-related activities, visit BU Today’s Commencement 2011 News Coverage landing page.

- For a full schedule of school and college ceremonies, as well as visitor information, visit the official Commencement 2011 website.

Participate Live

- Watch the all-University Commencement live via webcast through the Commencement 2011 website, or listen locally on WBUR 90.9 FM.

- Tweet using #bu2011 and see live posts from campus on BU Today. (Browse last year’s memories and photos: Covering Commencement 2010)

- Like the Boston University Commencement Facebook Page to view photos from the big day and post well-wishes to the Class of 2011.

- If you have an iPhone or Android and plan to be on campus this Sunday, learn how to participate in the SCVNGR Social Check-in at Commencement.

Media

- Read Public Relations’ official media advisory (PDF) for all information on parking, check-in and resources

- Learn more about the 2011 Boston University Commencement speakers and honorees

- Contact Tom Testa or Colin Riley with any questions.

Studying a third language through a second: Senior Yue Huang on her BU experience

Jenny Mackintosh — Tue, 17 May 2011 13:46:26 +0000

Senior Yue Huang (COM’11) traveled from her home in Beijing to Boston University, and quickly learned that although she knew English, her American slang could use some work. She didn’t stop there — using her second language to learn her third (Spanish), and eventually her fourth (French). In Points of Departure, Huang talks about growing up in the newsroom, and how languages help her break down barriers to communicate as a journalist:

Visit Yue Huang’s BU Today feature.

Visit the Points of Departure landing page to hear more stories from BU seniors.

Katie Couric to deliver commencement address

Kira Jastive — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:28:44 +0000

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.

Hey Seniors, Check this out

Rebecca Loya — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 20:29:18 +0000

Now that I’m back from Spring Break, I’m faced with a harsh reality check: commencement is just around the corner. In fact, exactly 2 months from today we will be filling onto Nickerson Field in those gorgeous red gowns to collect the most important piece of paper we have ever earned. If the very thought of donning the traditional tasseled hat has you breaking out into a cold sweat, or if you are simply confused as to what is happening that weekend, fear not because the Dean of Students office has you covered. The Seniors website has helpful links to the commencement page, relevant articles for soon-to-be grads and information about the class gift and the all important Senior Week. So take a deep breath and take a look around; you wont want to miss out.

Samantha is a senior in COM graduating in May. Follow her on Twitter @skops.