Lance Armstrong to address 2006 graduates

Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor, seven-time Tour de France champion and inspiration to millions, will deliver the address at Tufts University’s 150th commencement on May 21. This will be the first commencement speech given by the legendary athlete whose achievements in sports and in support of cancer research and awareness are equally distinguished.

Lance Armstrong © GETTY IMAGES

“Lance Armstrong brings a powerful message to our graduates and commencement guests: Never give up,” Tufts President Lawrence S. Bacow said. “His perseverance on the bike and in life sets an extraordinary example for all who seek to overcome obstacles and achieve their highest goals. We are honored to host him at Tufts.”

Armstrong, named 2005 Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press, won his first Tour de France in 1999 as a cancer survivor and followed that with six more consecutive victories. He continues to be a leader and activist on behalf of cancer survivors around the world. The Lance Armstrong Foundation provides information, funds research and gives hope to millions. The university also will award Armstrong an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.

Tufts will present honorary degrees to four other distinguished leaders, three of them university alumni.

Philanthropist and entrepreneur William S. Cummings, A58, founder of the highly successful real estate development firm Cummings Properties LLC and founder and president of Cummings Foundation, will receive an honorary doctor of public service degree.

Gen. Joseph P. Hoar, USMC (ret.), A56, whose 37-year military career included enforcing the no-fly zone in southern Iraq and overseeing humanitarian and peacekeeping operations in Kenya and Somalia while serving as commander in chief of the U.S. Central Command, will be awarded an honorary doctor of public service degree.

Evolutionist Lynn Margulis, whose revolutionary theory of inherited symbiotic bacteria and symbiosis in the evolution of life caused profound changes in thinking about the origins of species, will receive an honorary doctor of science degree.

The Rev. Gloria E. White-Hammond, M76, pediatrician, pastor, medical missionary and humanitarian who is leading the Million Voices for Darfur campaign, will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.