Honoris causa
At its 150th Commencement on May 18, the University presented honorary degrees to six distinguished individuals. Read about the honorees here; their degree citations are below.
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher
As the Vatican鈥檚 Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher assists the Holy See on foreign affairs, responding to a range of international issues, including humanitarian crises, immigration, and armed conflict. A native of Liverpool, he prepared for his role at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome, the training ground for Vatican diplomats, from which he graduated with a doctorate in canon law in 1984. His first postings in diplomatic service took him to Tanzania, Uruguay, and the Philippines, before being appointed apostolic nuncio to Burundi, Guatemala, and Australia. Twelve years ago, Pope Francis appointed him as the first native English speaker to hold the position. Since then, he has worked to advance discourse, reconciliation, and peace, as well as the values and interests of the Catholic Church, in countries around the world and in assemblies ranging from the United Nations to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. In recognition of his contributions to international diplomacy and interfaith dialogue, last October he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George by King Charles III. For his dedicated service to the Church and international community as both priest and papal diplomat, Boston College awards Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.聽
Gloria E. Alvarez Sweeting
A respected entrepreneur, civic leader, and Boston College alumna, Gloria 鈥淕lori鈥� E. Alvarez Sweeting has used her gifts to build community and lasting connections from the Caribbean to Chestnut Hill. The president of Logotique, a marketing and advertising firm she founded in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, she is also an active board member at several nonprofits that provide vital assistance to those at risk. At Boston College, where she earned a degree in communication in 1988, she is recognized for her efforts to launch and then lead the 天美传媒app Alumni Association Chapter of Puerto Rico. She has served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors since 2018, most recently as vice president, and has been a devoted advocate for the Council for Women of Boston College. Her daughter Sarah followed in her footsteps to the Heights, where she proudly cheered her mother on at Mile 21 of the Boston Marathon in 2016. For her passion in building bridges and unwavering commitment to her alma mater, Boston College proudly awards Gloria E. Alvarez Sweeting the degree of Doctor of Social Science, honoris causa.
Joyce M. and William S. Cummings
Joyce M. and William S. Cummings have set high standards of excellence in business, philanthropy, and community engagement throughout their lives. While operating Cummings Properties, one of the region鈥檚 most successful commercial real estate firms, they established the Cummings Foundation in 1986. It has since awarded more than $600 million to Greater Boston organizations focused on education, the environment, health care, and human services. The Foundation has partnered with higher education institutions to support schools and initiatives in veterinary medicine, architecture, nursing, education, and global health, while its $30 Million Grant Program annually assists a wide array of local nonprofit organizations. In Rwanda, the Foundation collaborates with Partners In Health and other organizations to aid in the country鈥檚 post-genocide recovery. Locally, their New Horizons facilities house more than 500 senior residents in two not-for-profit independent and assisted-living communities. In recognition of their transformative philanthropy in support of education, health, and community outreach, Boston College awards Joyce M. Cummings the degree of Doctor of Social Science, honoris causa, and William S. Cummings the degree of Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa.
Sister Jeanette Judith Gaudet, M.F.I.C.
As a Missionary Franciscan Sister of the Immaculate Conception, Sister Jeanette Judith Gaudet, M.F.I.C., has devoted more than six decades to service of the Catholic Church and wider society. Her vocational call came after witnessing the joy of the Franciscan Sisters while she was a student at Saint Clare High School in the Roslindale section of Boston. After entering religious life in 1960, she eventually served as a teacher and administrator in Massachusetts and Georgia, before working in the areas of formation, retreats, and parish ministry. Desiring to proclaim the Gospel in a missionary setting, especially among the poor and marginalized, she served in Papua New Guinea for eight years. She also served on her congregation鈥檚 international leadership council in Rome for 17 years, including a term as the general superior for five years, and later became provincial leader in the United States. Her dedication, commitment, and energy have enabled generations of students to receive an education marked by faith and academic excellence, including locally at Mount Alvernia High School and Academy. In recognition of her lifelong commitment to the Church and her leadership within the Missionary Franciscan Sisters, Boston College bestows on Sister Jeanette Judith Gaudet, M.F.I.C., the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
Mathias Kagimu Kiwanuka
As a businessman, passionate advocate for his ancestral home of Uganda, and former professional football player, Mathias Kagimu Kiwanuka has dedicated his life to making a difference. The grandson of Uganda鈥檚 first prime minister Benedicto Kiwanuka, who lost his life upholding the law in the face of tyranny, he has followed his grandfather鈥檚 legacy as a board member of The Water Trust, a nonprofit that empowers rural Ugandan communities to access clean, sustainable water, and Smile Train, which instructs Ugandan physicians on cleft palate care in local communities. He is also assisting Uganda to become the sixth African nation to join the NFL Africa Program, designed to build a pipeline of promising young athletes to the league. Most recently, he has chosen to use his entrepreneurial skills to promote mental health projects and advance economic development both in Uganda and throughout the continent. While at Boston College, the psychology major earned Big East Defensive Player of the Year and first team All-American honors before graduating in 2005 and winning two Super Bowls in nine seasons with the New York Giants. For his commitment to improving the lives of people in need, Boston College proudly awards Mathias Kagimu Kiwanuka the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honors causa.