[MUSIC]
When we've needed support,
we've turned to friends who have
given us their shoulders to cry on.
When we've crave knowledge,
we've turned to our professors,
TAs, and classmates.
These bonds were
forged by the proximity and
community of being here together.
Bond that guided us into
young adulthood,
developed our perspectives, and
helped create today.
We now stand together one last time
as one BU community.
And although we know that tomorrow,
we are all stepping into change,
our bonds
will always remain the same.
Thank you and congratulations,
Class of 2023.
>> [APPLAUSE]
>> Pamela Avedisian, we're not sure
where your love of music ends and
your passion to help others begins,
they feed one another in a virtuous
cycle.
Whether your hands are resting upon
a keyboard or touching the hearts
of those in need,
the result is always the same,
an elevation of the human spirit.
Pamela Avedisian, we proudly confer
upon you the degree Doctor of
Humane Letters, Honoris Causa.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> Edward Avedisian,
you've been called many things.
Clarinettist, investment savant,
philanthropist, but
the best descriptor for
you is friend.
Throughout it all,
you remain deeply humble.
In your donations to hospitals,
schools, and colleges, you decline
to attach your name to anything,
only those of your family members
names were used.
As in the case of your astonishing
hundred million dollar gift to
our School of Medicine, a dear
pal from the old neighborhood,
Aram Chobanian, Edward Avedesian,
we proudly confer upon you
the degree Doctor of
Humane Letters, Honoris Causa.
>> [APPLAUSE]
>> Ketanji Brown Jackson,
you became the first Black woman
and first former public defender to
serve on the Supreme Court of
the United States.
President Joe Biden said that your
ascension to the nation's top
judicial body
reflects the full talents and
greatness of our nation.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson,
we are honoured to confer upon you
the degree Doctor of Laws,
Honoris Causa.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> As
a visionary founder and chairman of
New England Development, one of
the most successful commercial real
estate firms in the Northeast, your
uncanny anticipation of lifestyle
and real estate trends sparked
the creation of mixed use projects,
retail destinations, and
hospitality properties.
And we are deeply grateful for your
service on our Board of Trustees.
Stephen Karp, we are honored to
call you an alumnus and bestow upon
you the degree Doctor of Laws,
Honoris Causa.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> When your
modified mRNA technology became
the foundation of the Maderna and
Pfizer vaccines, >> [APPLAUSE]
>> Life as we knew it changed.
Your focus diligence in developing
mRNA biology has made the world
quite literally a safer place, and
we are immensely proud to claim
yours alumnus.
Drew Weissman, we confer upon you
the degree Doctor of Science,
Honoris Causa.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> David Zaslav,
you are a lawyer, executive, and
media visionary.
After a celebrated career at NBC,
you took the helm of
Discovery Communications.
In 2022,
you broadened your audience even
further when you oversaw the merger
of Discovery and Warner Brothers.
David Zaslav,
we proudly call you an alumnus and
confer upon you the degree Doctor
of Laws, Honoris Causa.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> Graduates,
you're just getting started today.
Here's my advice to you,
figure out what you're good at and
what you're not good at and
work on those things.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> Create your own
opportunities.
And even if you have to make a big
change, find a way to do
what you really love.
Never, never, never get out worked.
Prioritize the big moments in your
life.
And most important, show up.
Show up for your friends,
show up for your family, and
show up for yourself.
Congratulations to the Class of
2023, thank you all so much.
>> [APPLAUSE] >> Today marks the
final commencement that Dr. Brown
will preside over as President.
I ask that Bob now stand,
and we can express our
abundant gratitude to him.
>> [APPLAUSE]