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From YouTube: Urban College of Boston 23rd Annual Commencement
Description
The city celebrates as the 23rd graduating class of the Urban College of Boston receive their diplomas. Mayor Walsh presents a high achieving student with the John & Mary Walsh scholarship award.
A
B
Good
afternoon
and
welcome
to
our
twenty-fourth
commencement
I'm
Nancy
Daniel
vice
president
for
academic
affairs
and
it's
my
privilege
to
open
these
ceremonies.
Please
put
your
cell
phones
on
vibrate,
so
as
not
to
disturb
the
proceedings.
I
read
a
commencement
speech
by
dr.
su
has
been
helman.
The
CEO
of
the
Gates
Foundation,
in
which
he
told
graduates
the
following
in
pursuit
of
a
meaningful
life,
be
genuine
show
up.
Is
your
true
self
revel
in
your
individuality,
embrace
your
uniqueness
know
that
every
new
experience
will
make
you
feel
a
bit
uncomfortable
in
those
moments
of
discomfort.
B
Remember
that
who
you
are
deep
down
and
what
you've
learned
through
your
life
to
date
is
what
got
you
to
that
opportunity.
Never
hide
what
makes
you
you
that
advice
is
one
I
hope
you
take
to
heart.
Each
wonderful,
unique
person
sitting
here
today
has
a
story
to
tell
that
is
marked
by
persistence,
strength
against
adversity,
courage
to
go
on
when
you
thought
you
could
not
when
you
thought
you
couldn't
take
another
step,
and
yet
you
did
today.
B
We
celebrate
that
twisted
road
that
led
you
to
the
stage
with
those
who
supported
you
here
to
cheer
you
on.
Let
me
be
the
first
to
say:
congratulations.
I
am
so
proud
to
be
able
to
be
the
academic
leader
of
this
college
that
has
produced
such
amazing
graduates.
At
this
time,
Rebekah
Aponte
will
deliver
the
invocation.
C
Good
afternoon
graduates
and
families,
let's
bow
our
head
for
the
invocation,
gracious
and
loving
God.
As
we
prepare
to
watch
the
graduates
walk
across
the
stage
we
see
their
diploma.
We
want
to
take
a
moment
to
thank
you
for
keeping
them
safe
and
guiding
them
to
this
point.
Today
we
celebrate
the
accomplishments
of
those
who
receive
diplomas.
Those
who
begin
new
chapters
in
their
lives
bless
as
well
those
who
have
supported
them
in
their
work
in
the
classroom
at
home
and
on
the
way
teachers
who
have
given
themselves.
B
D
E
Well
good
afternoon,
my
name
is
Michael
Taylor
and
I
have
the
privilege
of
serving
as
president
of
the
urban
college
of
Boston
I
want
to.
Thank
want
to
begin
by
thanking
Nancy
for
her
unwavering
support
and
making
this
particular
day
happen
as
beautifully
as
it's
happening
now
and
will
continue
to
do
for
the
rest
of
the
afternoon
Nancy
day.
E
Ladies
and
gentlemen
of
the
class
of
2018
has
a
nice
ring
to
it.
Doesn't
it
when
I
first
met
many
of
you
when
I
arrived
at
urban
college
about
six
years
ago,
during
that
time,
I've
drawn
to
admire
your
grit
and
the
determination
that
it
took
to
achieve
your
dream
crossing
this
stage
this
afternoon,
as
you
expressed
to
me
recently,
the
achievement
that
we
are
here
to
acknowledge
and
celebrate
is
going
to
have
a
dramatic
impact
on
your
children
and
how
they
view
what
is
a
pop?
E
E
In
addition
to
your
education,
you've
acquired
something
else
during
your
time
here
under
the
family,
comprised
of
your
urban
college,
classmates
teachers
and
staff,
as
you
march
out
of
this
beautiful
theater
today,
understand
that
those
important
and
supportive
relationships
will
forever
be
here
for
you
and
speaking
of
this
beautiful
theater.
Let's
take
a
minute
to
look
up
and
admire
this
magnificent
structure.
How
beautiful
this
place
is
it's
an
extraordinary
place,
but
you
deserve
to
be
here.
This
is
a
fitting
tribute
to
who
your
accomplishment
that
we
celebrate
today
like
to
express
our
gratitude.
E
Emison
colleges,
president
li
Pelton,
for
graciously
hosting
us
theatre
day.
There
been
thousands
of
performance
on
this
stage
since
it
opened
in
1903
this
graduation.
In
each
of
you
and
now
part
of
Majestics,
extraordinary
history
and
speaking
of
making
history.
This
graduating
class
is
the
first
benefit
from
an
amazing
new
campus.
Did
you
enjoy
it.
E
So
why
did
we
prepare
this
elaborate
celebration?
Why
do
these
distinguished
guests
accept
our
invitation?
Why
are
all
these
relatives
and
friends
joining
you
today?
I
would
suggest
they
are
here
to
acknowledge
your
courage,
your
courage,
we
know
and
took
courage
to
overcome
the
self-doubt
to
enroll.
In
the
first
place,
it
took
courage
to
continue
your
degree
when
it
seemed
like
it
would
never
finish.
E
It
took
courage
to
make
all
the
arrangements
to
get
to
class.
It
took
courage
to
go
to
class
when
you
were
bone
tired
and
can
hardly
stand
up.
That's
why
we're
really
here
today,
you've
earned
the
bountiful
emotions.
You
feel
right
now.
Pride
relief,
maybe
satisfaction
so
laugh
cry,
shout
hug,
Express,
joy
and
love
with
your
fellow
classmates
and
your
guests,
because
this
is
a
special
moment.
E
No,
it's
a
sacred
moment
in
your
life
have
a
wonderful
time
with
the
people
you
love
and
who
love
you
who
have
joined
you
today
on
behalf
of
the
urban
College
of
Boston
family.
Thank
you
for
sharing
this
part
of
your
life
with
us.
Remember
the
doors
of
urban
College
of
Boston
are
forever
open
to
you,
so
keep
in
touch
we'll
always
be
committed
to
your
success.
Congratulations.
E
Is
now
my
pleasure
to
introduce
to
you
Peter
M,
the
chairman
of
the
board
of
trustees
at
bourbon,
College
Peter,
has
been
an
extraordinary
and
dedicated
leader
of
the
urban
trustees.
Peters
counsel
is
always
clear
and
precise,
with
a
consistent
focus
on
what's
in
your
best
interest,
the
students
of
our
College.
Ladies
and
gentlemen,
Peter
M.
F
On
behalf
of
the
trustees
of
the
urban
college
of
Boston,
welcome
welcome
to
our
distinguished
guests.
You
honor
us
by
your
presence,
welcome
to
the
faculty
and
staff
of
the
urban
college
of
Boston
that
amazing
group
of
talented,
dedicated
and
caring
individuals
who
are
more
than
anyone
or
anything
really.
The
urban
college
of
Boston
welcome
to
families,
partners
Friends
of
the
graduating
class
of
2018.
Without
your
support,
many
of
those
will
walk
across
this
stage
today
would
never
have
made
it
this
far
and
most
of
all
welcome
and
congratulations
to
our
graduates.
F
G
G
Why
I
can
tell
you
this
every
time
we
tried
to
establish
Bob
Court
myself
know
this.
They
said
you
can't
be
a
college.
You
know
the
college
and
we
said
well
we'll
put
a
sign
up
and
call
ourselves
accomplished,
but
each
and
every
year
4:23
is,
and
for
20
years.
Prior
to
that,
you
have
proved
that
a
community
can
have
a
college
as
good
as
anybody
else's,
but
with
more
hot.
G
So
Michael
gave
me
two
or
three
minutes
to
speak
since
I
can't
sell
time,
I'm,
not
sure
how
long
that
is,
he
can
pull
me
off
but,
like
my
greetings,
are
from
ABCD.
The
ball
was
no
longer
with
us,
but
his
wife
Donna
from
Harrell
Meza,
unfortunately
as
a
family
problem,
but
those
to
myself
and
many
others.
But
I
would
like
to
make
note
of
somebody
else
who
was
very
instrumental
in
helping
us
through
the
labyrinth
of
getting
a
college,
the
point
where
it
was
accepted
and
accredited
that
was
Richard
Wiley.
G
The
college
passed
away
recently
the
head
of
Endicott
College,
and
we
know
him
before
that
at
Leslie.
College
Nick
was
extremely
helpful
and
guiding
us
through
what
otherwise
would
have
been
a
process
where,
unfortunately,
the
higher
education
people
did
not
think
that
we
deserve
to
be
there.
I
think
you've
all
proved
them
wrong.
G
So
from
ABCD
from
a
community
up
here,
a
community
that
would
go
to
little
ones
from
pets
dad
for
a
community
across
the
city
and
across
the
country
where
everybody
who
is
working
to
try
to
bring
down
the
temperature
and
try
to
help
as
many
people
as
possible,
we
will
preserve.
We
will
continue
and
you
are
absolutely
one.
Thank
you.
E
E
H
Good
afternoon,
very
much
I'm
very
honored
to
be
here
today.
I
am
a
long-standing
and
very
proud.
Member
of
this
colleges,
Board
of
Trustees.
It
has
been
a
very
rewarding
experience
for
me.
I
want
to
congratulate
all
of
our
graduates
for
a
job.
Well
done.
Wish
you
the
best
in
the
next
step
in
your
journey
and
I,
want
to
thank
the
parents
and
the
families
and
the
friends
for
entrusting
your
loved
ones
to
the
urban
college
for
this
part
of
their
education.
Thank
you
very
much.
H
The
recipient
of
this
year's
honorary
degree
is
a
woman
without
standing
academic
credentials,
she's
devoted
her
life's
work
to
social
justice
and
community
well-being.
A
pediatrician
in
social
epidemiologist,
dr.
Renee,
d-boy
Denton
Jarrett,
is
an
associate
professor
of
pediatrics
at
the
Boston
University
School
of
Medicine
in
the
founding
director
of
vital
village.
Mutti
engagement,
work
at
Boston,
Medical,
Center,
vital
village
is
a
network
of
residents
and
organizations
committed
to
maximizing
child
family
and
community
well-being.
H
It's
place-based
community
engagement
network,
mobilizes,
collective
investment
from
residents,
community
organizations
and
institutions
to
see
scalable
and
sustainable
community
change
around
child
protection
and
promoting
health,
social
and
emotional
development
and
early
childhood.
Among
its
many
projects
of
the
trauma-informed
supports
during
the
prenatal
period,
peer-to-peer
advocacy,
a
breastfeeding
coalition
and
a
male
engagement
task
force,
dr.
Rene,
Mornington
Jared
and
her
colleagues,
Kimberly
Byrd
and
Erika
Pike
were
instrumental
in
the
creation
of
the
certificate
and
community
advocacy
and
leadership.
Our
own
Nancy
daniel
said
of
dr.
Boyd
and
Gerry.
H
H
I
I
Congratulations
on
your
amazing
hard
work
and
tremendous
accomplishments.
I
would
be
remiss
if
I
did
not
also
acknowledge
the
committed
and
distinguished
faculty
that
have
helped
to
support
and
nurture
your
degrees
and,
most
importantly,
the
family.
The
friends
that
have
supported,
nurtured,
encouraged
and
supported
your
progress
along
this
incredible
journey,
every
step
of
the
way.
Thank
you
all
family
and
friends
for
believing
in
these
incredible
graduates
and
their
incredible
potential
because
they
are
going
to
go
out
and
rock
this
world.
I
I
This
is
the
beginning
of
the
next
chapter
of
your
process,
of
becoming
all
that
you've
dreamed
to
be
I'm
honored
to
be
here
as
a
little
brown
child
from
humble
beginnings,
that
loved
to
read
and
wanted
to
help
children
wanted
to
sight
fight
for
social
justice,
believed
in
the
power
of
communities
and
neighbors
to
make
an
incredible
difference.
I
ask
as
you
go
on
to
your
next
steps.
I
You
continue
to
use
your
talent,
your
intelligence
and,
most
of
all,
your
commitment
to
achieving
meaningful
social
change,
meaningful
change
in
the
lives
of
children
and
families,
as
you
move
forward,
never
underestimate
the
power
of
your
small
contributions
to
major
major
changes.
I
want
to.
Secondly,
say
that
there's
been
a
cost
to
you
arriving
at
this
moment
we
are
all
standing
on
the
shoulders
of
our
grandparents
or
great-grandparents
members
of
the
community
who
made
sacrifices.
I
So
we
could
achieve
and
experience
the
opportunities
that
have
brought
us
to
today
when
I
get
weary
in
the
work
that
I'm
doing
I,
never
forget
the
cost
of
just
the
right
to
vote
that
not
everyone
has
yet
the
cost
of
democracy.
As
you
look
around
at
the
men,
many
inequities
that
so
many
members
of
our
society,
our
families
and
even
ourselves
still
face.
I
My
final
comment
would
be:
never
doubt
that
showing
up
as
yourself
is
going
to
be
enough,
be
true
to
who
you
are
what
you
have
to
offer,
what
you
have
to
offer.
What
you
have
to
offer
is
more
than
enough,
your
story
is
still
being
written.
Your
narrative
is
still
being
written.
If
you
don't
see
it
out
there
in
the
media,
if
you
don't
see
it
out
there
in
the
public,
it
is
because
you
are
writing
your
own
unique
story.
E
B
E
E
Had
the
unique
opportunity,
a
few
minutes
ago,
to
spend
some
time
with
Speaker
de
Leo
and
about
a
half
a
dozen
of
our
students
who
happen
to
live
in
his
district
and
they
told
him
their
stories
of
what
it
meant
to
be
here
today,
well,
most
employee.
How
they
got
here
today
and
I
was
just
overwhelmed
with
the
degree
of
empathy
and
support
that
he
gave
to
each
and
every
one
of
our
students
in
the
curiosity
he
had
about
their
stories.
So
thank
you
very
much
for
joining
us
today.
E
In
doing
that,
Tudor
was
focused
on
protecting
the
Commonwealth's
fiscal
health
as
chairman
of
ways
and
means
he
was
elected
by
his
peers
in
2009
to
be
Speaker
of
the
Massachusetts
House
he
governs
by
consensus
and,
as
a
consequence,
is
an
exemplary
list
of
legislative
accomplishments
that
have
made
Massachusetts
a
safer,
more
just
a
more
equitable
place
to
live.
I'd
like
to
focus
on
one
that
impacts
the
lives
of
everyone
in
attendance.
Today,
gun
safety.
E
E
The
speaker
in
his
remarks
will
address
the
his
passion
which
he
discussed
with
the
students
he
met
with
today
for
effective
and
well
supported
early
childhood
education
for
80%
of
you
who
are
pursuing
a
career
in
early
child
education.
You'll
have
no
better
champion
than
speaker
D'elia,
ladies
and
gentlemen,
with
deep
gratitude
and
appreciation
for
all
he
has
done
for
our
Commonwealth.
It
is
my
honor
and
privilege
to
present
to
you
the
Speaker
of
the
Massachusetts
House
of
Representatives
Robert,
hey
to
Leo.
J
Thank
you
so
much
president
Taylor
for
that
extremely
kind
introduction,
and
thank
you
so
much
for
having
me
here
today.
I
have
to
tell
you
about
a
couple
of
weeks
ago,
I
had
the
honor
of
throwing
out
the
first
pitch
at
the
Red
Sox
game
and
being
a
bass,
farmer,
baseball
player.
I
can't
tell
you
what
that
meant
to
me
after
all
these
years,
to
have
that
opportunity.
I
just
wanted
to
say
that
listening
to
calm
and
give
the
national
anthem
I
think
she
should
do
that
at
Fenway,
Park
I
think
she's
ready
as
well.
J
J
J
J
And
mr.
president
I
know,
you
gave
me
eight
minutes
to
speak.
I
just
get
warmed
up
in
eight
minutes,
so
I
apologize
for
that
and
a
lot
of
what
I'm
saying
is
even
part
of
my
speech,
I'm,
so
excited
of
what
I
had
heard
earlier.
I
am
so
impressed
with
the
dedication
and
commitment
that
you
have
clearly
demonstrated
throughout
your
time
here
at
urban
college
you're
going
to
carry
these
life
experiences
with
you
as
you
move
on
to
your
next
endeavor,
and
they
will
shape
how
you
win
and
how
you
impact
the
world
around
us.
J
I
was
again
thrilled
to
hear
from
so
many
of
the
graduates
here
today
are
entering
into
the
field
of
early
education
and
care,
and
this
is
an
area
from
which
I
am
extremely
passionate
and
I
have
to
tell
you
why
I
became
so
impatient
about
this
area.
Some
I
don't
know
maybe
four
years
it
to
my
speakership,
and
it
was
because
of
the
stories
that
I
had
heard
that
children
with
early
education
are
obviously
ready
at
a
much
earlier
age
in
terms
of
their
educational
growth.
J
But
the
benefits
are
undisputable
in
an
early
investment
in
high-quality
programs
and
services,
especially
from
our
youngest
and
most
vulnerable.
Populations,
is
one
of
the
best
ways
to
ensure
that
children
are
on
track
for
success
in
school
and
beyond.
Not
only
is
this
investment
vital
to
Massachusetts
economy
by
helping
working
parents,
it's
vital
to
our
children's
future.
J
However,
there
was
no
access
to
high
quality
programming.
Without
a
strong
and
stable
early
education
workforce.
We
currently
face
a
30%
turnover
in
our
workforce.
An
early
education
I
sometimes
referred
to
it
as
a
workforce
in
crisis
in
2016,
I
formed
the
early
education
and
care
business
advisory
group
to
bring
members
of
the
business
community
in
touch
with
the
legislature
to
better
support
the
early
education
workforce.
J
Following
the
group's
recommendations,
we
undertook
several
initiatives
to
bolster
the
workforce.
First
and
this
year's
budget.
We
provided
a
provider
rate
reserve
and
professional
development
opportunities
for
early
educators
and
an
unprecedented
levels.
We
will
create
an
e
EC
workforce
council
to
help
facilitate
coordination
between
colleges,
providers
and
business
communities.
The
council
will
be
comprised
of
providers
leaders
from
higher
education,
legislators
and
representatives
from
the
labor
and
the
business
communities.
J
J
Commend
you
for
your
efforts
to
become
more
effective
in
bringing
about
social
change
in
your
neighborhoods
and
communities,
and
I
hope
that
you're
going
to
remain
active
in
civic
and
public
affairs.
As
you
move
into
your
next
steps
in
your
life
in
your
career,
your
words
and
actions
can
have
more
impact
more
than
you
even
know.
J
This
has
become
a
subject
of
renewed
focus
of
the
house
since
the
Sandy
Hook
shootings
in
the
late
2012
as
a
parent
and
as
a
grandparent
I
was
sickened
to
learned
about
that
tragedy
and
I
vowed
as
an
elected
official,
with
the
ability
to
make
change
to
do
something
about
it.
I
can
remember
that
day.
Very
very
clearly,
I
happened
to
be
coming
home
on
the
Massachusetts
Turnpike
from
from
Springfield.
At
an
event
when
the
news
came
on
the
latest
tragedy
that
occurred
at
the
elementary
school
in
Connecticut.
J
If
you
could
see
all
the
wonderful
letters
and
cards
that
I
received
from
people
who
weren't
too
happy
with
me,
not
only
from
Massachusetts
from
from
around
the
United
States,
you
would
have
been
somewhat
surprised.
I
thought
that
I
were
at
the
time
was
doing
something
in
Massachusetts.
That
was
wasn't
going
to
be
all
that
difficult.
Quite
frankly,
how
could
it
be
difficult
we're
now
on
a
almost
a
monthly
basis?
J
We
were
having
these
terrible
tragedies
that
are
occurring
throughout
our
country,
but
it
was,
and
it
required
a
tremendous
amount
of
debate
and
compromise
with
other
legislators,
but
we
passed
a
comprehensive
law
that
not
only
is
being
recognized
as
the
best
in
the
country.
Earlier
this
month,
the
Huffington
Post
reported
that
our
gun
laws
of
a
model
for
legislation
in
other
states
or
even
the
country
as
a
whole.
More
recently,
the
country
has
been
galvanized
as
a
result
of
the
tragedy
in
Florida
this
past
February.
Here
in
Massachusetts,
the
focus
was
on
passing.
J
My
office
received
phone
calls
in
support
of
this
bill
day
in
and
day
out,
as
well
as
numerous
visits
from
students
from
across
the
Commonwealth
advocating
for
the
merits
of
this
legislation
and
I
have
to
tell
you.
I
have
never
seen
anything
like
that.
Since
we
started
talking
about
legislation,
gun
legislation
in
the
legislature,
I
had
the
opportunity
to
speak
to
some
of
the
parents
from
Connecticut
after
the
Sandy,
Hook,
shooting
and
I
vowed
to
them.
J
J
And
after
listening
to
some
of
the
stories,
the
ensign
believably
inspiring
stories
that
I
heard
earlier,
I
can't
wait
to
see
what
you
folks
do
next
so
I
sincerely
want
to
thank
you
for
the
honor
of
having
me
today.
Is
your
commencement
speaker
and,
let's
not
forget
one
other
thing.
Today
we
got
to
win
the
basketball
game
tonight,
right.
E
Have
just
one
additional
reflection
about
speaking
to
Leo,
although
he
holds
one
of
the
three
top
positions
in
the
Commonwealth
I've
always
been
struck
by
his
decency
and
his
humility.
I
think
you
saw
that
today,
speak
to
Leo
is
an
effective
legislature
who
works
collaborative
Massachusetts,
Senate
and
Republican
governor.
He,
his
work
shows
how
effective
government
can
and
should
be.
E
He
demonstrates
daily
how
one
can
keep
his
commitment
to
his
values.
Well,
at
the
same
time,
work
across
the
aisle
his
successful
governance
style
is
an
example
that
our
current
federal
government
in
Washington
should
consider.
Mr.
speaker,
you
honor
us
today
with
your
presence.
Thank
you
very,
very
much.
F
It
is
my
honor
today
to
present
this
year's
Robert
chord
distinguished
leader
award
to
Donna
M
cork.
Donna
cork
reminds
me
of
what
is
most
striking
in
our
graduates
like
each
of
you.
Donna
is
a
fighter
over
a
long
career
of
helping
others.
Donna
has
simply
refused
to
listen
to
those
who
would
say
it's
too
hard
or
it's
not
worth
the
struggle
or
it
can't
be
done
for
Donna.
F
There's
been
no
task
too
hard,
no
struggle
too
great
for
a
Cosworth
cheeping
and
nothing
that
can't
be
done,
particularly
to
advance
the
cause
of
social
justice
and
the
rights
of
children
in
a
long
career,
beginning
to
action
for
Boston,
community
development
and
covering
three
decades
at
three
different
state
agencies
and
on
numerous
boards
and
commissions.
Donna
has
always
focused
on
one
thing:
ensuring
that
every
child
in
Massachusetts
has
the
support
they
need
and
the
chance
to
succeed
they
deserve.
F
She's
been
a
leader
in
providing
those
with
development
developmental
disabilities,
the
resources
and
respect
that
they
deserve
in
each
of
these
roles.
Over
all
these
years,
Donna
has
been
and
is
a
fighter
since
2014
we
have
been
fortunate
to
have
Donna
as
a
member
of
the
board
of
trustees
of
the
urban
college.
She
has
brought
to
this
role
the
same
focus
in
energy,
same
refusal
to
take
no
for
an
answer
as
she
has
displayed
throughout
her
life.
As
a
trustee,
donna
has
supplied
a
strong
and
wise
voice
and
guiding
the
college
to
its
future.
F
She
is
conveyed
and
advocates
passion
in
our
meetings
and
a
manager's
insights
to
shepherding
our
financial
resources.
Donna
has
brought
a
wealth
of
practical
experience
to
bear
on
that
challenges
we
face
every
day.
She
has
served
as
an
engaging
and
effective
ambassador
for
college
on
countless
occasions.
She
has
given
most
generously
of
her
time
and
has
been
a
most
generous
financial
donor
as
well,
and
Donna
has
constantly
reminded
us
of
the
importance
of
the
college,
stay
true
to
its
mission
and
its
commitment
to
the
students
it
serves.
F
The
award
we
present
to
Donna
today
is
named
for
her
late
husband,
Robert
Court,
a
man
who
was
unquestionably
the
father
of
the
urban
College
of
Boston
for
Bob
cord
education.
Truly
was
a
pathway
to
opportunity
in
the
urban
college
of
Boston
was
a
cornerstone
of
that
possible
dream,
and
so
it
is
entirely
fitting
that
this
year's
recipient
of
the
Robert
M
cord,
distinguished
leadership
award
should
be
someone
who
so
completely
embodies
and
gives
life
to
that
dream.
Today,
our
colleague
in
our
friend
Donna
Corp.
K
K
We
were
challenged
to
explore
new
ideas
to
develop
thoughtful
opinions
and
defend
them,
not
just
to
watch
the
world
go
by,
but
to
try
to
make
a
difference
if
we
explored
our
limits
and
we
were
supported
and
encouraged
by
the
end
of
my
first
year,
I
found
myself
running
for
office.
Something
I
had
never
done
before.
A
K
K
Anyway,
she
had
sent
a
reference
to
Boston's
anti-poverty
program.
Action
for
Boston,
Community,
Development
and
I
worked
very
hard
to
get
a
spot
on
a
very
small
team
of
people
with
a
mountain
of
work
to
do
in
six
months,
proposals
of
all
sorts
had
to
be
planned
with
organized
and
elected
neighborhood
councils
across
the
city.
K
For
over
seven
years,
I
was
blessed
to
participate
in
working
on,
creating
and
supporting
services
and
opportunities
for
Boston's,
Children
and
Families.
As
the
agency
grew,
I
was
able
to
develop
administrative
budgeting
and
management
skills,
don't
shy
away
from
budgets.
They
contain
very
important
secrets,
given
the
opportunity
to
join
a
newly
created,
Executive
Office
of
Human
Services.
K
They
were
working
on
the
creation
of
a
new
state
agency
for
children.
It
was
to
be
called
the
Massachusetts
State
Office
for
children,
unique
in
the
country
established
for
advocacy
and
licensing
of
children's
programs.
We
reported
directly
to
the
governor.
It
was
too
good
an
opportunity
to
pass
up
joining
them.
K
K
My
final
chapter
began
joining
a
newly
created
State
Department
of
Social
Services.
There's
a
theme
here:
I
love
joining
new
places,
a
chance
to
build
things
from
scratch.
I
was
asked
if
I
would
accept
the
position
of
Regional,
Director
and
I.
Remember
saying
right
away,
ok,
but
it
has
to
be
Boston.
K
K
K
K
Found
I
had
to
draw
when
every
single
experienced
contact,
knowledge
and
prior
experience
I
began
with
a
plan
for
a
wildly
widely
diverse
bilingual
staff
staff
that
would
include
Hispanics,
Latinos,
Chinese
South,
southeastern
Asia
Haitians
Brazilians
staff.
That
would
reflect
our
city's
population
staff,
who
not
only
spoke
the
language
but
would
understand
the
culture
of
the
families
they
were
working
with.
K
My
journey
is
basically
what
inspires
my
work
with
the
urban
college,
a
college
designed
and
founded
by
my
husband
Robert
for
him
and
for
me
it's
all
about
opportunity
and
empowerment
and
his
dream
is
flourishing
congrats
to
our
wonderful
graduates
today
and
congratulations
to
our
wonderful
leadership
team
at
the
college.
They
are
extraordinary
president
Taylor
vice
president
Nancy
Daniel,
chairman
Peter
M,
and
our
long
friend
and
supporter
John
drew
thank
you.
E
Tonner
I
just
want
to
say
that
you
were
over
that
way
for,
for
me
personally,
your
friendship
and
your
loyalty
and
your
guidance
to
me
has
been
remarkable
and
I
say
that,
in
behalf
of
all
of
the
staff
and
all
the
other
board
members
and,
most
importantly,
the
students
of
the
college.
Thank
you
very,
very
much.
L
It
was
such
a
pleasure
to
such
an
honor
to
be
named
faculty
member
of
the
year
and
this
year
it
is
my
pleasure
to
help
bestow
that
honor
on
one
of
my
fellow
instructors.
This
professor
has
taught
a
range
of
early
childhood
education
courses
at
urban
college
for
more
than
a
dozen
years,
and
what
you
may
not
know,
though,
is
the
critical
role
that
she's
also
played
behind
the
scenes.
M
I
want
to
thank
you,
first
of
all
for
the
honor
not
just
of
being
acknowledged
here,
but
for
the
honor
of
being
your
instructor
and
tell
you
a
little
bit
why
urban
college
has
my
heart
I'm,
going
to
start
with
a
short
I
promise.
This
short
little
family
history
before
I,
give
you
my
charge.
I
want
to
tell
you
about
my
grandmother,
Margaret,
who
came
here
at
the
end
of
the
19th
century
from
Poland.
She
was
illegal.
M
She
came
on
somebody
else's
Passport
and
when
she
came
through
Ellis
Island,
she
was
supposed
to
meet
her
father,
but
he
never
showed
so
they
put
a
sign
on
her
Buddhist
Connecticut
and
she
got
on
a
train
and
when
she
got
to
MU
disty
worked
as
the
housemaid
and
lived
in
a
boarding
house
where
she
met
my
grandfather
and
they
bought
a
farm
whoa
and
ten
children.
Later
one
of
those
ten
children
was
my
mother,
whose
name
was
Veronica,
but
she
changed
you
to
Alice
to
be
more
American.
M
M
M
And
sometimes
crea,
while
they're
learning
English
so
my
charge
to
you
is
those
of
you
who
now
have
advanced
skills.
Take
these
skills
into
our
early
childhood
classrooms
and
heute
community
centers
and
use
them
to
serve
as
a
bridge,
so
no
child
in
America
and
their
family.
Whether
legal
or
illegal
feels
not
welcome,
surf
going
forth
as
a
beacon
and
a
bridge.
E
B
This
is
the
awards
part
of
the
ceremony
and
it's
my
pleasure
to
introduce
the
court
family
scholar.
This
is
presented
by
the
family
of
Rob
record,
the
founding
president
of
urban
college,
to
an
outstanding
student
who
has
demonstrated
high
academic
performance
and
who
has
exhibited
sufficient
significant
progress
in
professional
development.
It
was
my
honor
to
present
the
2018
cord
family
scholar
award
to
Michelle
Slater.
Our
top
student
Michelle
is
graduating
with
the
highest
GPA,
a
perfect
4.0,
and
we
present
her
with
the
gold
honors
soul.
B
Rob
Adel
Norse
Memorial
Award,
named
for
a
longtime
faculty
and
staff
member
at
urban
college
is
given
to
the
student
who
exemplifies
the
qualities,
miss
Norris,
valued
perseverance,
effort
and
tenacity.
The
student
chosen
to
receive
the
Roberto
L
Norseman
Morial
reward
is
crystalline,
Francoise,
Associate
of
Arts
degree
candidate
in
early
childhood
education.
N
We
have
been
challenged
with
an
honor
and
opportunity
to
explain
what
has
inspired
our
learning
at
urban
college
of
Boston.
To
most,
it
may
seem
a
simple
task,
however.
I
began
to
feel
very
vulnerable.
I
felt
compelled
to
share
with
you
how
I
view
UCB
I
have
three
T's
that
best
describe
my
college.
They
are
time
tears
and
treasure
in
order
to
understand
the
three
T's
we
have
to
travel
back
in
time
to
1967
ABCD
known
as
action
for
Boston
community
development
started.
N
The
urban
college
program
to
meet
the
educational,
employment
and
career
development
needs
for
adults.
The
school
enables
students
to
earn
academic
credits
while
acquiring
job-related
skills.
In
1993
the
college
was
chartered
and
as
the
only
institution
established
by
an
anti-poverty
agency
in
September
2000,
it
became
a
fully
independent
college,
while
maintaining
a
partnership
with
ABCD
in
October
2001
UCB
was
awarded
full
accreditation
by
New
England
Association
of
schools
and
colleges.
N
September
2017
began
the
latest
chapter
of
UCB
story.
When
the
college
established
itself
at
the
bigger
state-of-the-art
China
trade
in
understanding
our
rich
past.
We
can
now
look
to
our
present
and
see
that,
with
the
help
of
Michael
Taylor
Nancy
Daniel
and
the
staff
at
urban
college
of
Boston,
the
vision
has
never
changed.
It
only
got
better.
N
Yes,
indeed,
it's
a
time
tears
and
treasure.
It's
those
same
principles
that
I
have
clung
to
in
order
to
obtain
this
chapter
in
my
life
with
those
same
values,
I
climbed
the
ladder
of
success
that
you
see
be
placed
before
me
time
when
I
first
started
urban
college
back
in
1998,
I
wasn't
sure
if
I
wanted
to
be
here.
To
be
honest,
I
wasn't
sure
what
I
wanted
to
do.
They
didn't
make
me
feel
ashamed
because
of
my
uncertainties.
N
James
Olive
simply
gave
me
a
smile
and
told
me:
don't
worry,
just
take
one
class
and
we'll
see
what
next
semester
brings
the
staff
that
you
see
be
always
made
time
for
me.
I
never
felt
rushed
if
I
didn't
understand
something.
I
could
always
count
on
the
faculty
and
staff
to
lift
me
up
or
push
me
along
the
way.
My
next
T
is
for
tears.
Just
like
the
UC
B's
history.
I've
had
many
challenges.
N
Many
fears
many
heartbreaks
and
disappointment
if
it
had
not
been
for
God's
grace
and
people
like
Mia,
Taylor
and
Dorothy
Chavez
I
would
not
have
made
it.
I've
had
some
really
great
teachers
such
as
Professor
Moreno,
who
drilled
it
in
my
head
that
she
didn't
care
if
I
cried,
but
that
I
would
make
it
there
were
days.
I
would
come
to
school
in
defeat,
but
teachers
like
dr.
N
Words
cannot
express
how
much
Carmen,
Pineda
and
Kathy
Bardot
helped
when
I
became
homeless
and
my
husband,
who
didn't
have
a
job
just
moved
to
America.
It
was
the
middle
of
a
fully-loaded
semester.
I
was
passed.
Tears,
I
was
borderline,
fighting
a
mental
breakdown
from
all
the
stress,
but
they
kept
me
together.
I
true
I,
truly
believe
God
inspired
them
on
how
to
help
my
husband
and
I
move
forward.
They
helped
me
cry
my
way
to
purpose.
I
will
forever
treasure
my
time
at
ECB.
N
My
takeaways
with
Professor
Kristi,
have
taught
me
to
maximize
my
time
by
focusing
on
what's
important
and
not
to
waste
energy,
thereby
making
every
moment
count.
You
see
B's
model
models,
what
it
means
to
treasure.
What
I
have
the
teachers
are
not
here
for
financial
gain?
They
sacrifice
their
tears
and
time
to
empower
us
with
a
great
quality
of
life,
helping
us
to
see
the
treasure
we
really
we
already
have
inside
ourselves.
We
are
forever
transformed
by
the
faith
that
President
Michael
Taylor
and
his
staff
has
exuded
through
dedication.
N
B
O
It
was
time
to
invest
in
me
so
that
I
could
excel
in
a
career
that
I
love,
have
financial
stability
and
create
a
bit
a
better
life,
not
only
for
me,
but
also
for
my
family
I've
been
College.
It
allowed
me
to
do
that
with
the
flexibility
flexibility
needed
for
payment
with
a
full-time
career
offering
night
classes
gave
me
an
opportunity
to
transform
my
life
by
receiving
my
diploma,
while
working
and
taking
care
of
my
children.
O
O
Student
experience
does
not
stop
at
the
president.
The
professors
and
administrative
faculty
have
been
have
been
a
great
support
in
my
success
here
as
well.
The
availability
and
access
to
my
professors
constantly
amaze
me
with
the
continuous
dedication
to
students,
while
at
the
same
time
dealing
with
all
the
responsibilities
of
the
full-time
jobs
every
professor
I've
had
has
supported
the
fact
that
I
was
a
working
parent
and
has
treated
me
as
an
individual
with
respect
in
a
clear
interest,
not
only
in
my
academic
but
personal
growth.
O
O
Very
thankful
for
a
band.
It
has
challenged
me
in
so
many
ways
and
has
given
me
a
lot
of
Drive
to
continue
to
get
my
bachelor's,
although
I
may
have
taken
a
slightly
different
path
than
the
typical
high
school
graduate
to
further
my
education,
I.
Think
urban
has
provided
me
with
professors
and
classes
that
allowed
not
only
me,
but
my
fellow
classmates,
to
find
inspiration
in
academics
that,
for
at
least
someone
like
me,
was
missing
for
many
years.
B
Thank
You
Tamika.
The
urban
college
is
privileged
to
award
a
full
tuition
scholarship
to
Endicott
College
Boston
to
a
student
in
the
graduating
class,
who
is
going
on
to
pursue
a
baccalaureate
degree.
Dr.
Richard
Wylie,
the
late
president
of
Endicott
College
and
former
chairman
of
the
UCB
Board
of
Trustees,
established
the
Robin
M
Court
scholarship
to
Endicott
College,
to
enable
UCB
graduates
to
complete
their
bachelor's
degree
at
Endicott
College
in
Boston.
We're
pleased
to
present
the
2018
Robin
M
cord
scholarship
to
Endicott
College
to
Rose
Ellis
Perez.
P
Good
afternoon,
everybody
thank
you.
Thank
you
for
joining
me
and
my
college
graduate
in
this,
especially
when
it
is
a
very
good
opportunity.
So
thank
God.
The
center
of
my
life
forgiving
me
the
help,
strength
and
enthusiasm
to
complete
this
journey
successfully.
I
also
want
to
thank
my
parents,
even
though
they
are
not
present
today,
the
rest
of
my
family,
who
was
able
to
join
me
or
the
stuff
of
your
band
college
of
Boston
for
support
me
and
my
co-workers,
who,
in
one
way
or
other
her
me
to
be
here
today,.
P
B
On
April
28th
2014
urban
college
of
Boston
lost
an
outstanding
alum
Maurice
Tony
Williams
his
in
in
domina
bill
spirit
and
kind.
Loving
ways
will
be
memorialized
in
an
award
presented
each
year
at
commencement
to
a
student
who
exemplifies
Tony's
determination
to
not
let
anything
stand
in
his
way.
This
year's
winner
is
Daniel
dibinsky.
Q
Q
In
college,
as
they
locked
me
over
the
years,
that's
it
suppose
I
get
Bart
better
than
I
thought.
I,
wouldn't
do
I
only
needed
two
tutors
and
the
father.
We
need
a
lot
more
I
started
classes
with
tower
with
Carol
Hilliard
and
was
extremely
pians
it,
because
I
was
not
sure
how
I
would
perform.
This
was
my
first
and
two
case.
No
experience
outside
the
specialized.
Among
my
many
teachers
that
urban
it's
contributed
to
the
man.
I
am
today
most
important
thing.
I
accomplished
that
urban
cards
wants
accountability.
Q
Q
Q
G
E
A
E
During
that
inaugural
address,
mayor
wall
spoke
about
his
commitment
to
his
fundamental
components
of
opportunity
in
Boston,
strong
schools,
good
jobs
in
affordable
housing.
He
has
already
made
meaningful
progress
on
each
of
these
issues.
For
example,
last
year
over
1,000
new
homes
were
built
exclusively
for
low
and
moderate
income.
Families,
which
happens
to
be
a
city
record,
I,
admire
his
courage
in
dressing
these
issues,
which
impact
the
lives
of
our
students
and
their
families.
E
E
E
He
fought
for
us
drawing
on
his
own
experience
in
putting
his
beliefs
about
the
importance
of
education
into
action.
At
each
step
of
the
process.
He
demonstrated
his
deep
respect
for
our
students
as
important
and
valued
members
of
the
Boston
community,
just
as
people
like
the
mayor's
parents
and
like
many
of
you
in
attendance
today,
have
looked
to
Boston
for
hope,
opportunity
and
a
chance
to
build
a
better
life.
Our
students
look
to
urban
college
for
an
education
that
will
help
them
transform
their
lives
in
allies
of
their
families.
E
E
E
R
Thank
you.
Thank
you
very
much.
Let
me
thank
you.
Michael
Taylor
and
I
want
to
thank
the
board
of
trustees
at
this
great
College.
I
want
to
I'm
I'm.
Sorry,
I
missed
the
speaker
of
the
house,
give
the
commencement
address.
He
is
one
of
the
best
people
in
public
service
that
I
have
ever
met.
I
want
to
thank
the
speaker.
I
had
the
honor
of
working
with
the
speaker
for
the
16
years
as
a
state
representative
and
I
loved
it
and
I
want
to.
Thank
you.
Mr.
R
R
I'm
not
here,
to
give
a
really
give
a
speech
I'm
here
to
present
an
award
which
I
will,
in
a
second
a
scholarship
but
I
just
want
to
I
want
to,
first
of
all,
all
of
all
of
the
the
students
that
graduates
that
got
a
special
recognition
today.
What
was
amazing
about
all
of
you
are
wrecking.
All
of
your
speeches
is
that
they
talked
about
not
a
straight
line,
getting
a
degree
and
not
giving
up
so
I
want
to
congratulate
each
and
every
one
of
you
for
I.
R
R
Love
this
school
because
it
is
not
like
the
other
schools.
That's
why
I
love
this
school.
You
were
looking
at
a
guy
who
graduated
college
when
he
was
42
years
old.
I
didn't
go
after
high
school
I
went
for
a
little
while
I
dropped
out.
Things
happened
in
my
life,
where
we
had
to
make.
We
lost
something
out
front
there.
R
R
In
my
life,
potentially
after
after
being
the
state
rap
and
I
realized,
it
was
probably
one
of
my
greatest
accomplishments,
because
I
work
in
the
daytime
I'd
go
to
school
at
night,
I
quit
school
in
my
head
about
a
hundred
times
saying
I,
don't
need
this
I'm,
not
gonna.
Do
it
I
didn't
write
the
paper.
I
didn't
study,
I
didn't
read
the
book.
Oh
my
god.
What
am
I
gonna
do
I
have
to
talk
with
professor.
We
have
to
make
it
up
with
that.
You
know
what
I'm
talking
about
so
I
know.
R
I
know
what
this
this.
Oh,
this
recognition
and
this
this
certificate
and
this
diploma
means
to
all
of
you
today.
I
know
it's
hard.
I
know
it's
not
easy.
I
know
everyone
has
challenges
in
your
life,
but
when
you
walk
across
the
stage
today
take
it
in
because
you
earned
every
single
second
of
the
applause
and
of
the
stream
and
the.
R
R
When
Yanni's
apply
enrolled
at
urban
college
few
years
ago,
she
was
living
at
st.
Ambrose
family
shelter
in
Dorchester,
with
the
newborn
daughter
Sophia
every
day
before
a
class,
she
would
take
a
bus
from
Dorchester
to
Roxbury
to
drop
her
daughter
off
at
her
mother's
house,
like
many
of
you
did
after
class
you'd
go
back
to
Roxbury
to
pick
up
her
Donna
and
then
ride
the
bus
back
to
the
shelter
in
Dorchester.
She
made
this
trip
every
day
for
two
years.
R
Why
I
love
this
school
Yanni's
journey
to
the
stage
has
been
remarkable.
She
tried
college
before
like
a
lot
of
us,
but
found
the
right
fit
here
at
urban
college.
Was
she
found
faculty
staff
and
the
community
community
that
understand
the
challenges
that
she's
facing
those
challenges
would
have
been
too
much
for
most
people,
but
not
for
her
or
for
most
of
you
in
this
room,
while
raising
a
child
looking
for
permanent
housing
attending
college
full-time
she
never
gave
up.
She
knew
her.
Success
will
also
be
her
daughter.
Success
I
would
add
her.
R
R
E
S
Malcolm
X
said
education
is
the
passport
to
the
future,
for
tomorrow
belongs
so
those
who
prepare
for
its
a
day.
This
quote
sums
up
my
two
years
at
urban
college.
Dedication
and
preparation
is
what
the
staff
and
faculty
offered
me
in
my
educational
journey
at
this
school
I
must
confess
that
urban
college
is
not
the
first
secondary
institution
that
I
have
attended,
but
it
is
where
I
was
able
to
blossom
as
a
student
and
prepare
for
my
future
as
a
child.
S
I
wanted
to
become
a
social
worker,
but
it
was
not
until
I
got
to
my
first
institution
moved
onto
campus
and
enrolled
in
all
of
my
classes
that
I
realized.
That
was
not
what
I
wanted
to
be
in
life.
I
was
introduced
to
the
idea
of
teaching
by
one
of
my
middle
school
teachers
Jennifer
and
changed
gears
and
enrolled
into
my
second
institution.
One
of
my
friends
at
the
second
institution
came
into
class
one
night
with
the
glow
on
her
face
and
told
me
she
was
transferring
to
urban
college.
S
S
S
S
S
She
never
stops
from
wanting
to
help
you,
besides
being
the
great
person
that
she
is.
She
was
also
someone
who
always
had
an
open
ear
for
me.
You
can
never
tell
by
looking
at
me,
but
I
went
through
a
lot
of
challenges
during
my
time
at
urban
college,
when
I
started
here,
I
had
a
month
old,
baby
and
was
living
in
a
homeless
shelter,
but
that
never
stopped
me
from
wanting
to
secure
my
future,
not
only
for
myself,
but
also
for
my
child.
S
E
Well,
to
continue
the
theme
of
becoming
teachers.
I
wanted
to
take
this
moment,
mr.
mayor,
as
well
as
your
Ron
Dorsey
too,
which
is
something
we
discussed.
I
discussed
with
Ron
dual
see
in
detail
just
a
couple
weeks
ago,
we
found
out
just
yesterday
morning
that
we're
gonna
receive
a
large
grant
from
the
PS
trust
to
start
a
new
program.
This
fall
involving
Boston,
Public
School
graduates
and
we're
very
excited
about
this
opportunity
for
them,
as
well
as
for
us
out.
B
B
U
Graduates,
many
of
you
will
be
receiving
more
than
one
certificate
of
achievement
or
diploma.
However,
you
will
only
come
forward
once
based
on
the
highest
award
earned
graduates.
Please
remain
seated
until
the
usher
asks
that
your
ro
stand
and
come
forward.
Will
the
certificate
of
achievement
candidates
for
general
studies,
case
management
and
Human
Service
administration
stand
and
come
forward.
U
V
V
V
B
B
B
B
T
W
T
T
W
T
T
A
A
M
A
T
R
E
C
Was
ready
to
go
right?
Okay,
you
guys
ready
gracious
and
loving
God.
We
ask
now,
for
your
almighty
hand,
to
be
upon
our
graduates
as
it
as
they
and
their
families
celebrate
this
grand
milestone.
May
they
find
comfort
from
our
community's
continued
embrace
and
support
as
they
journey
through
life,
enable
them
to
stay
true
to
their
dreams,
to
discern
what
is
right,
good
and
just
and
to
use
their
gifts
wisely
and
in
service
to
others.
Today
we
also
pray
for
tomorrow.
E
Any
human
anywhere
will
blossom
in
a
hundred
unexpected
talents
in
capacities
simply
by
given
the
opportunity
on
behalf
of
us
all.
I
want
to
thank
the
graduates
for
taking
full
advantage
of
this
opportunity.
I
wish
to
thank
the
ushers
and
the
volunteers,
the
Boston
Police
Department,
the
Boston
Gaelic
Carlone.
Thank
you
for
their
for
their
support.
Today,
with
our
ceremony.