2008 Commencement-Honorary Degree Recipient, Ruth B. Balser, PhD

The honorary doctorate is the highest academic recognition that a school can bestow. It is conferred on those whose life and work have demonstrated the highest standards of excellence in academics, professional practice, personal integrity and service to the community.

This degree is offered “honoris causa” or “out of respect or admiration.” A medieval tradition allows institutions of higher learning to waive the usual academic work that is the requirement of the doctor’s degree for those who have so distinguished themselves in the academy of life that their accomplishments warrant the recognition and the academy wants them to be among its committee of professors. Since these special people become alumni of the school, it is also a way for the institution to claim them as their own.

You have met and heard from our first Honorary Degree recipient: Dr. Ruth Balser. Let me ask her to step forward.

—Nicholas A. Covino, PsyD

Citation

Ruth Balser, PhD
Psychologist, legislator, policy maker, activist, humanitarian

You improve the lives of others through your considerable expertise, capacity for collaboration, dedication to the public good and long hours of devoted public service.

Whereas, you have distinguished yourself through your leadership and passion to create legislation and programs to create an optimal living environment for the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and

Whereas, you have demonstrated your deep commitment to public service and compassionate government through your service on the Newton Board of Alderman and the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and

Whereas, you have shown courage and leadership in your advocacy as a legislator for: Mental Health Parity; civil rights for all persons; and adequate funds to support competent mental health and substance abuse treatment in the state, and

Whereas, you are an advocate for the disenfranchised and a voice for those who have been silenced, and

Whereas, you are a woman of intelligence, compassion, collaboration, creativity, courage and commitment who has put these talents to work for the benefit of others, and

Whereas, you are the very first psychologist to serve in the Massachusetts State Legislature,

By virtue of the authority invested in me by the Board of Trustees and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I confer upon you the degree Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, and invest you with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto.  In token, thereof, I hand to you this Diploma and direct that you be vested with the hood appropriate to your degree.

Updated 6/13/08