Dorchester’s Bill and Denise Richard, both graduates of Bridgewater State University, were awarded honorary degrees at the university’s spring Commencement Convocation on Saturday, May 12. More than 2,100 bachelor’s degrees were awarded during two ceremonies at the university’s Boyden Quadrangle.

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito served as commencement speaker for the afternoon event, while Bill and Denise Richard spoke at the morning ceremony.
The Richards were honored for their work with the Martin Richard Charitable Foundation, which they started in 2014 to honor of their son Martin, the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings. The foundation partners with and awards grants recognizing the critical work of other like-minded organizations who provide hands on opportunities for young people – including BSU where the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice is touching the lives of hundreds of young people each year.

The following residents from Dorchester were among those who graduated: Kathleen Theresa Carroll, Molly E. Clifford, Shayla Marie Fullam, Malik Jaleel Garrett, Michaela Elizabeth Greaney, Nirorkis Guerrero, Desiree Masako Hairston, Myriam Frantzy Imprevert, Mindy Suzette Lara, Kirina Laryea, Yanel Mejia, Ellyn Christine Moore, Stephanie Morales, S. Baron Osei-Bonsu, Owen Russell, Nikkia Vequyla Stotts and Tiffany Maya Thomas.