Urban College of Boston Celebrates Recent Graduates with Inspiring Commencement Ceremony in May
As our graduates prepare to take their next steps into the future, Urban College of Boston is thrilled to announce our commencement ceremony speakers and honorees.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 31, 2025, as we gather in Downtown Boston to celebrate the achievements of our graduates!
Malaak Compton-Rock
Commencement Speaker
Malaak Compton-Rock, the distinguished humanitarian and author, will deliver this year's keynote address. With a profound impact on underserved communities around the globe, Compton-Rock is the founder of the Angelrock Project, a nonprofit focused on aiding underserved children in South Africa. Her dedication to empowering youth aligns perfectly with Urban College's mission to provide accessible education and opportunities to all. "I firmly believe that education is the foundation for creating lasting changes in our communities," says Compton-Rock, and we couldn't agree more!
Lai Chan
Honorary Degree Recipient
In addition to Compton-Rock's commencement address, we will honor Lai Chan, a master teacher and assistant director of the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC), with an honorary Early Childhood Education Associate Degree. After immigrating to the United States from Hong Kong over forty years ago, Lai took classes in Chinese at Urban College, setting in motion her U.S. career where she's transformed the lives of over 6,000 children through her passion for teaching and mentoring. Chan was formally trained as a teacher in China and Hong Kong and built extensive experience working with immigrant families and co-owning a kindergarten school in Hong Kong. Chan’s students and fellow educators call her Sifu, meaning “honored, wise teacher.”
Bill Kennedy
Robert M. Coard Leadership Award Recipient
We are also excited to recognize William F. Kennedy, affectionately known as Bill, a dedicated advocate for community service and public policy, with the prestigious Robert M. Coard Leadership Award from Urban College of Boston for his significant contributions to the community.
Known for fostering collaboration among Boston’s leaders through a long-standing speaker series, Bill’s commitment to civic engagement is evident in his extensive work with organizations such as Pine Street Inn, Board of Bar Overseers, and Catholic Charities. Bill has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to uplifting those in need. Urban College is honored to present Bill with the Robert M. Coard Leadership Award, as he embodies the mission of providing access to equity for all members of society.
"The selection of these honorees reflects our dedication to recognizing individuals who foster transformative power through education and service," remarks Dr. Salomon-Fernández.
The commencement ceremony will kick off with a vibrant lion dance performance by the Gund Kwok Asian Women’s Lion and Dragon Troupe, celebrating the cultural diversity that enriches our community. This lively tradition sets the tone for a gathering rooted in celebration and achievement, beginning at 12:30 PM before the ceremony starts at 1:00 PM.
Join Us in Celebrating!
Urban College of Boston is not just a place of learning; it’s a community that champions growth, resilience, and the pursuit of equity for all. As we hold this significant event, we invite families, friends, and community members to join us in honoring the accomplishments of the graduates and the uplifting messages from our esteemed speakers. Let’s come together to celebrate the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will surely make a lasting impact on our society!