Commencement 2017
More than 1,000 graduates from 71 countries and 40 U.S. states received degrees on May 13 at Berklee’s commencement ceremony. Berklee President Roger H. Brown presented honorary doctor of music degrees to music legends Shin Joong Hyun, Neil Portnow, Lionel Richie, Todd Rundgren, and Lucinda Williams. Rundgren delivered the commencement address to the graduating class and an estimated audience of nearly 7,000 guests at the Agganis Arena. The annual commencement concert, held the previous evening at the Agganis Arena, featured some of the college’s most accomplished students paying tribute to the honorees with performances of music associated with their careers.
Watch Rundgren's full address:
Watch Richie's acceptance speech: