2020 Commencement Citations

Founder of the Drew Company, you are a man of imagination and tenacity with a flair for making things happen. With those qualities, you transformed Boston’s neglected watefront into the glistening Seaport District. You are a leading authority on public-private partnerships and development nationally and internationally. You serve as chairman of Trade Center Management Associates, which manages the International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., and the World Trade Center in Dublin, Ireland.

You have lent your talents by serving on the boards of organizations such as the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Boston Municipal Research Bureau as well as your alma mater, Stonehill College. You and, your wife, Kathy, have devoted yourselves to many charitable endeavors, including Catholic Charities, Cathedral High School, and the Ireland Fund.

For your creativity and your vision, and for using your success as a conduit to help others, Stonehill College is proud to bestow upon you, John Drew, honoris causa, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

As a child, your aspirations were to be either a Broadway performer or a nun. You have managed to combine the two as a sought-after Catholic inspirational speaker and educator. A native of Boston, you have traveled the world lecturing and presenting workshops on Catholic education and the future of religious life.

A member of the Northeast Province of the School Sisters of Notre Dame for 75 years, you have taught at all levels of education. Your mininistry has included serving as chair of the American Studies Department at Fairfield University and as founding director of the Catholic Leadership Program at the Boston College Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

For your commitment to Catholic education, your outstanding service to communities of all faiths, and for the gratitude and joy with which you have pursued your vocation, Stonehill College is proud to bestow upon you, Sister Clare Fitzgerald, honoris causa, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

As a New England Patriot and special teams player, you are a stalwart of the Patriot dynasty: You have won three Super Bowl rings and been named to seven Pro Bowls. Professional success notwithstanding, you have always remained grounded by family, prayer and your deep Christian faith that drives your service to others, especially those in need.

The Patriot’s United Way representative, you partner with organizations in greater Boston to recruit one million volunteers as part of the wider Patriots Celebrate Volunteerism Campaign. For your steady, effective outreach, you received the Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award, which honors NFL players who exemplify outstanding character. For similar dedication and compassion, you received the Ron Burton Community Service Award for your outreach to neighbothoods across New England.

Given your leadership on and off the field, your integrity and sportsmanship, and your wilingness to live your faith on a very public stage, Stonehill College is proud to bestow upon you, Matthew Slater, honoris causa, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.