Citizens Energy Founder, Former U.S. Representative Joseph Kennedy Receives Honorary Degree
(Boston, May 29, 2009) – The University of Massachusetts Boston today honored Citizens Energy founder, former U.S. Representative, and UMass Boston alumnus Joseph Kennedy II with the degree doctor of laws, honoris causa for his leadership and service to the community. The degree was presented at the university’s 41st commencement ceremonies.
Kennedy, who represented the Eighth Congressional District of Massachusetts in the US House of Representatives for 12 years, devised creative and innovative approaches to help communities achieve economic growth and prosperity by tapping into the private sector. In 1988, he founded Citizens Energy Corporation, which has been helping to heat the homes of the elderly and the poor for the past 30 years. Last year, Citizens Energy’s Oil Heat Program aided about 200,000 households, 2,500 participating dealers, 325 shelters, and 223 Native American tribal communities.
“Driving each of Joe Kennedy’s entrepreneurial initiatives is a straightforward and enduring commitment to social justice service to the community,” said UMass Boston Chancellor Keith Motley. “We honor him as a creative and capable entrepreneur, compassionate activist, and accomplished alumnus of our fine university.”
Others honored at UMass Boston’s 41st Commencement include main speaker Senator John Kerry, and honorary degree recipients Sister Margaret Leonard, founder of Project Hope, and Edwin Moses, Olympic Champion
About UMass Boston
With a growing reputation for innovative research addressing complex urban issues, the University of Massachusetts Boston, metropolitan Boston’s only public university, offers its diverse student population both an intimate learning environment and the rich experience of a great American city. UMass Boston’s seven colleges and graduate schools serve more than 14,000 students while engaging local, national, and international constituents through academic programs, research centers, and public service activities. To learn more about UMass Boston, visit www.umb.edu.