“Today is just the first of many graduations in your life,” said Boston University honorary degree recipient, commencement speaker and former CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric to the graduating class of 2011 at Sunday’s commencement ceremony at Nickerson Field.
In her speech Couric emphasized the importance of a relentless attitude in attaining goals, a sentiment also expressed by student speaker and College of Arts and Sciences senior Monica Narang.
“Over the past few years we have had to learn how to take care of ourselves, be introspective and make ourselves stand out,” Narang said. “BU is a place that forces you to be an adult.”
The new graduate also emphasized the diversity of the class of 2011 and Boston University as a whole.
“Boston University is a place where if I had a conversation with each of my classmates each one would have something special and valuable to say,” Narang said. “We have something in common despite all the things that make us unique.”
Couric warned that in the years following graduation, students will face challenges and roadblocks, but said that this should not deter them from pursuing their passions and goals.
“You will get discouraged, but don’t let it lead you to quit,” she said. “Don’t take no for an answer.”
Though Couric did touch on more serious topics, she also aimed to get laughs from her audience, displaying her knowledge of the haunts and pastimes of BU students.
“I see faces bright-eyed about the future and bleary-eyed from too many shots at T’s Pub last night,” Couric said.
She said that despite only being in Boston since Saturday, she was able to get knighted at the BU Pub, a feat achieved by trying all 50 beers on tap.
“I know it’s supposed to take four years but I was able to do it at brunch, you guys are lightweights at BU,” Couric said. “Just call me Lady Couric.”
Couric also played to BU’s rivalry with Boston College.
“I’m very happy to be speaking here instead of my safety school BC,” she said.
After being announced as the class of 2011’s commencement speaker earlier this month, Couric implored BU seniors to send her questions and issues via Twitter that she could address during her speech on Sunday.
Couric answered students’ questions about the current impact of social media on the news, the worst advice she has received and how students can get better looking every day like her.
During the ceremony, the seniors presented the class gift, to which 2,300 seniors contributed.
“These gifts will allow those who follow us to enjoy all that we did,” said School of Management and School of Hospitality senior Taylor Riley, who presented the gift.
The class of 2011 raised $71,727, with a 229 percent rise in participation from 2010, Riley said.
David Hollowell, the President of the BU Alumni Council, applauded the graduating class for their efforts to raise money.
“You should be proud of your accomplishment,” he said. “Once a Terrier always a Terrier. Some of your best friends throughout life will be people you met at BU.”
Six distinguished individuals were awarded honorary degrees and recognized as members of the class of 2011.
Among those recognized were Victoria Kennedy, widow of former Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy, awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, and Ahmed Zewail, appointed in 2009 by President Barack Obama to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, awarded the degree of Doctor of Science.
Acknowledging the importance of excellence in teaching at BU, the Metcalf Award was given to School of Medicine and School of Public Health professor Wayne LaMorte and School of Law professor David Walker and the Metcalf Cup and Prize were given to College of Fine Arts and School of Theatre professor Judith Chaffee.
“It was difficult to pick the winner because all of the candidates are outstanding,” said BU President Robert Brown.
Leaving the class of 2011 with final thoughts, Couric imparted advice to keep in mind as the graduates embark on the next part of their journey.
“Find the joy in life and when you feel it let it wash over you,” Couric said. “When you experience bumps, keep going. That’s why the front windshield is so big and the rearview window is so small.”
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