Actress Emily Deschanel, best known for her role in the drama series “Bones,” will deliver the main address at Boston University’s 152nd All-University Commencement ceremony May 18.
BU President Melissa Gilliam announced Deschanel as the speaker during the annual Senior Class Breakfast Friday in the George Sherman Union Metcalf Ballroom. She will also receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the University.
Deschanel received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Fine Arts in 1998. Since then, she has become an “activist on behalf of women’s rights and animal rights,” according to the University. She appeared on BUTV’s second “Variety Hour” show in June 2021.
Gilliam announced three other honorary degree recipients alongside Deschanel. Sheri Fink, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and Emmy-nominated television producer, will receive a Doctor of Science. Rebecca Martinez, chief justice of the Fourth Court of Appeals in Texas, will receive a Doctor of Laws, and Dominic Moulden, resource organizer for Organizing Neighborhood Equity, will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
The Senior Breakfast kicked off with Class Gift 2025 Co-Chair Evrosina Awad taking the stage. Awad recalled the Zoom orientations and chair yoga sessions the seniors experienced during their freshman year in 2021.
Assistant Dean of Students and Senior Advisor to the Dean John Battaglino then interviewed attendees from the East Balcony of the GSU.
Battaglino was joined by Justin Flynn, a former BU track and field athlete and Questrom School of Business graduate. Together, they spoke with attendees in the Ziskind Lounge and interviewed BU Police Department’s comfort dog, Bean.
Dean of Students Jason Campbell-Foster took the microphone around 11 a.m., asking attendees to look under their seats for a chance to win a BU hockey jersey and the opportunity to conduct the orchestra.
Campbell-Foster also announced Jason Wexler, a senior in Questrom and the College of Communication, as the student speaker for the Commencement ceremony.
The Senior Week schedule was unveiled, featuring trips to Six Flags, Lucky Strike and Cheeky Monkey, as well as events like the Senior Carnival, Senior Bash at Royale and Food Truck Fest.
During the event, mezzo-soprano and CFA student Delaney Finn performed “Clarissima,” a song celebrating BU spirit, shortly before the ceremony ended. BU’s a cappella group In Achord and the BU Jazz Combo also performed during the event.
