On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Urban College of Boston proudly hosted its inaugural An Evening of Leadership and Legacy. This unforgettable night brought together students, alumni, faculty, and supporters to celebrate the people who make our mission possible.

Held in the stunning offices of Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP, with sweeping views of Boston Harbor, the event was generously hosted by Attorney William F. Kennedy, recipient of the 2025 Robert M. Coard Distinguished Leader Award.

Guests enjoyed delicious food, lively conversations, and a sense of shared purpose as we honored individuals whose commitment to educational equity has helped shape the path forward for Urban College students.

Urban College Board Chair Joan Becker presented the inaugural Legacy Awards to distinguished honorees:

Martin J. Walsh, executive director of the NHL Players’ Association and former Mayor of Boston

Peter Ebb, Urban College Board Member and former Chair

Héctor and Nivia Piña, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, and longtime community advocates

“These Legacy Award recipients have generously given their time, talent, and treasure to advance the mission of Urban College and the communities we serve,” said Becker. “In deeply challenging and unpredictable times, we remain unequivocally committed to providing access to opportunity for students who have been historically marginalized.”

The evening also featured a compelling fireside chat between Urban College President Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández and philanthropist and humanitarian Malaak Compton-Rock, our 2025 Commencement Speaker. Malaak shared powerful reflections on the importance of education equity and her guiding philosophy inspired by Dr. Marian Wright Edelman: “Service is the rent we pay for living.” Her words left a lasting impression on all in attendance, emphasizing the importance of shaping a more inclusive future.

We were honored to welcome many esteemed guests, including Donna Coard, the widow of our Founder Robert M. Coard, former Urban College Presidents Clea Andreadis and Michael Taylor, our Executives in Residence Dr. Aisha Miller and Dr. Priscilla H. Douglas, and members of our dedicated Board of Trustees. Their presence made the evening all the more meaningful.

In a significant moment during the night, Urban College proudly launched the Urban College Foundation Committee: a new initiative dedicated to ensuring our students' continued success through stewardship, innovation, and investment. Founding members include a dynamic group of leaders and community champions who bring a wealth of experience and commitment to this vital work.

An Evening of Leadership and Legacy was more than a celebration, it was a call to action. A reminder that we cannot do this work alone.

This event kicked off a weekend of joy and pride, including Urban College’s 29th Commencement Ceremony. Our purpose is the success of our students, and seeing our graduates walk across the stage at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre underscored exactly why we do what we do.

A special thank you to the sponsors who made An Evening of Leadership and Legacy possible.

Our Honor Roll Sponsors were The Boston Foundation, The Counts Family, Eastern Bank, Magna5, and Related Beal.

Our Scholars Sponsors were The Cabello Family, The Castle Group, Garden of Eden & Associates, and State Street.

Join Us in Supporting Urban College

We invite you to be part of our continued journey. Your gift helps support more than 1,300 multilingual students pursuing their degrees, often while working, parenting, and overcoming systemic barriers.

Help us continue this crucial work and support our students’ legacies.

A Powerful Evening of Leadership and Legacy