Commencement

Celebrate your accomplishments in the final milestone of your time with us, Commencement. 

Our next commencement ceremony will be held on May 16, 2009, beginning at 11 a.m., in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.

Author, musician and composer James McBride will deliver the keynote address to the members of the class of 2009 receiving their Bachelors' and Masters' degrees and Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS). McBride will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree.

Also receiving honorary degrees this year will be local educator and the co-founder of Families of September 11, Sarah "Sally" Goodrich, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree; and College alumnus Brian K. Fitzgerald '75, executive director of the Business-Higher Education Forum, who will be awarded a Doctor of Public Service degree.

In addition, President Mary K. Grant will award the President's Medal for Distinguished Service. This year's medal will be presented to MCLA's vice president of academic affairs, Dr. Steve Green, for his many years of service to the College and the community. Green will retire this summer after 36 years at the College.

The first President's Medal was presented at the 2007 Commencement ceremony to Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley. President Grant inaugurated the award to recognize individuals who embody the spirit of service to the community.