Sights and Sounds from Boston University’s Class of 2026 Commencement

• Alan Wong

• Chris McIntosh

Under a brilliant blue sky and temperatures that felt less like May and more like July, an estimated 20,000 family members and friends gathered on Nickerson Field on Sunday to cheer on the Class of 2026 during Boston University's 153rd Commencement.

In her charge to the graduating students, BU President Melissa Gilliam urged them to, "Trust yourself. Know your values and honor them. Live them fully and with intention. And find the courage to be the first and only person who can authentically be you…. So go out into the world, confident in yourself. Find what speaks to you and, when you do, always be authentically, courageously, and joyously you."

Alum Reshma Kewalramani (CAS'98, CAMED'98), president and CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, delivered the Commencement address and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science at the ceremony.

"The most important parts of life come down to three things: it's who you love, it's what work you dedicate yourself to, and it's the values by which you live," Kewalramani told the approximately 5,000 graduates gathered on Nickerson Field. "Choose to be ambitious and kind. To be rigorous and imaginative. To build a life that is successful and meaningful."

Other honorary degree recipients were Rear Admiral Denise Hinton (MET'13), retired deputy surgeon general of the United States, who received an honorary Doctor of Science; Hubert Jones (SSW'57), dean emeritus of the School of Social Work, who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters; John Ward (LAW'76), founder of GLAD, now known as GLAD Law (GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders), who received an honorary Doctor of Laws; and Patricia K. Donahoe MD (Sargent'58), director of Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories and chief emerita of pediatric surgical services at Massachusetts General Hospital, who received an honorary Doctor of Science.

Congratulations to the approximately 8,300 members of the Class of 2026!

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