The next morning, over 3,600 people filled the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center for the Commencement exercises. Provost Harry Chalmiers welcomed the audience and introduced everyone seated on the dais. After speeches by Board of Trustees Chair William Davis and student speaker Michael Sean Harris, a video salute to the graduating class was shown. President Lee Eliot Berk introduced each of the honorary degree recipients before bestowing the degrees upon them. Berk made special mention of the VH1 Save the Music initiative that Sykes established in 1997 to restore support for public school music education.
Originality is about new ideas.
The one thing that will never change is that just when you think you know it all, things will change. There is nothing more gratifying than defying conventional wisdom and achieving success on your terms. Ask Quincy, Elton, Madonna, Herb Alpert, or Patti Austin. They listened politely to the establishment, and then did it their own way. It's your turn now.