May 2001 University Reporter

By Anne-Marie Kent

Swaminathan On Saturday, June 2, more than 2,500 students and their families will fill the Bayside Exposition Center for the commencement celebration of UMass Boston’s Class of 2001.

The commencement address will be delivered by honorary degree recipient M.S. Swaminathan, the chief architect of the Indian “green revolution” that brought India self-sufficiency in food. Swaminathan has been instrumental in the development of rice and wheat varieties that now provide food to two-thirds of the world’s population. Two years ago, he was named by Time Magazine as one of the 20 most influential Asians of the century, a list which included Mahatma Gandhi and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

When Swaminathan received the first World Food Prize, the Secretary General of the United Nations Javier Perez de Cuellar, wrote, “Dr. Swaminathan is a living legend. His contributions to agricultural science have made an indelible mark on food production in India and elsewhere in the developing world. By any standards, he will go into the annals of history as a world scientist of rare distinction.”

Chancellor David MacKenzie said, “Dr. Swaminathan has been one of humankind’s greatest champions in its ancient and continuing fight to reduce world hunger. He is a global citizen and a leader in the conservation of the environment and natural resources. We are truly honored that he will join us at commencement.”

Swaminathan has served many years as president of the International Union of Conservation for Nature and advises organizations worldwide. He is also a chief proponent for the role of science in resolving societal problems such as poverty and hunger. His research foundation is a leader in applying traditional and modern science, including information technologies and biotechnology, to these pressing issues.

Other honorary degree recipients are: James T. Brett, president and chief executive officer of the New England Council and former longtime member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives; A. David Mazzone, the federal district judge who presided over the clean-up of Boston Harbor and the battle over the George’s Bank fishing grounds; Will McDonough, Boston Globe sports columnist, book editor, and television sports commentator; Jonathan Schell, journalist and author of ten books on war, atomic weapons, and the environment; and Lily Yeh, an artist classically trained in China, who has been instrumental in transforming one of Philadelphia’s poorest neighborhoods into a lively and safe community.

“We truly have a distinguished, diverse array of honorary degree recipients whose talents and achievements reflect the values and mission of UMass Boston,” said MacKenzie.

“We have a world-renowned speaker, an excellent group of honorary degree recipients, and plans for a spectacular, efficiently-run ceremony. It promises to be a great day,” said Gail Hobin, commencement committee chair. “The Committee has worked very hard to ensure that this year’s event is enjoyable not only for the graduates, but also for their families.”

The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. and all UMass Boston faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. They will be admitted to the hall by showing a university identification card. Those unable to attend the ceremonies in person can listen to a radio broadcast of the commencement address on WUMB 91.9 FM on Sunday, June 3 at 8:00 p.m.

University employees who would like to join in the excitement are encouraged to volunteer to work at the event. Any university employee interested in volunteering should contact the Office of Community Service and Special Events at 7-5322.

Leader Against World Hunger to Speak at Commencement

By Anne-Marie Kent