Mike Tirico ’88 came back to Syracuse University on Sunday, May 10, to deliver the keynote address at the school’s annual Commencement ceremony in the JMA Wireless Dome. Acting Chancellor J. Michael Haynie conferred degrees on approximately 6,679 candidates as the university marked the day with a crowded celebration of graduates, families and faculty.
The ceremony also carried a long list of honorary recognitions. Clifford J. Ensley ’69, ’70, G’71 received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree, as did Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura G’83, G’87. Dr. Ruth Chen and Dr. Mantosh Dewan each received honorary doctor of science degrees, while Joanne M. Mahoney ’87, L’90 received an honorary doctor of laws degree.
David Syverud accepted an honorary doctor of laws degree on behalf of his father, Kent Syverud, the 12th Chancellor and president of Syracuse University. That tribute tied the day’s ceremony to the university’s recent leadership history even as the focus stayed on the class crossing the stage and the speaker returning home to deliver the address.
This year’s Commencement coverage also included Haynie’s remarks and the recognition of Chancellor Emeritus Syverud’s leadership, placing the ceremony between reflection and transition. For Syracuse, the day was both an end point for thousands of graduates and a public homecoming for Tirico, one of its best-known alumni.
