History of the JFK Award
The JFK Award was originally discussed in 1976, in conjunction with the John F. Kennedy Library, and was first awarded in 1977. It was designed to be the highest commencement award that an undergraduate could receive. Nominees are evaluated on the basis of their academic record, their service contributions, and their overall contributions as a "citizen" of the University and of the world. The chosen recipient receives a bust of John F. Kennedy, an honorarium, and the opportunity to speak at the main University commencement ceremony. The university has an impressive list of previous JFK Award recipients.
Read about the recipient of the 2013 JFK Award: Samuel Chandler
After commencement, watch Samuel Chandler's speech on UMass Boston's YouTube Channel
