b'WILLIAM JAMES COLLEGE 37of celebration and support from notable figures in the community, including U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren; Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey; Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller; Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka; State Senator Cindy Friedman; State Senator Julian Cyr; Massachusetts Representative Ruth Balser; and Retired Chief Justice Martha Grace of the Massachusetts Juvenile Court. Speakers reiterated the importance of the work the graduates had trained to do, along with the incredible needfor their service. This years Commencement Speaker, Dr. Elyn Saks, compared the disorienting experience of living through the time of COVID with experiencing psychosis. Saks is a MacArthur Scholar with academic expertise in Mental Health, Medical Ethics, and an endowed Professor at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She is also a noted author and public speaker who has publicly shared her personal story of recovery challenges, misconceptions, and stigma about major mental illnesses. Your work will be deeper, better, and more profound [for having lived through the pandemic], Saks said. Often our misfortunes and pain offer us the greatest opportunities for growth personally and, for you, professionally.Saks was awarded an Honorary Degree in recognition of her lifes work and contributions to the profession. The Commencement web site was designed to allow graduates and others to participate in the experience on their own timing. The virtual celebration will remain posted until September 2021 at www.williamjamescollege.live. All are welcome to visit while the site is live to leave messages for the graduates.'