Stonehill College is set to welcome John Della Volpe, a distinguished expert in polling and youth attitudes, as the commencement speaker for its 72nd ceremony on Sunday, May 21. Della Volpe, who serves as the director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, will deliver an address to the graduating Class of 2023 and receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Della Volpe expressed his admiration for the graduating class, stating, “Members of the Class of 2023 represent what I believe is the next great generation. Through their empathy and ingenuity, they’re an inspiration to me, and I am honored to offer some words that might inspire them as well.”
John Della Volpe
John Della Volpe: Insights into Young America
John Della Volpe is widely recognized as a leading authority on global sentiment, public opinion, and the influential perspectives of young people. Since 2000, he has been at the helm of the Harvard Youth Poll, the most comprehensive and respected study of young Americans and their evolving political views. His deep understanding of youth demographics and trends makes him a sought-after commentator, regularly featured on MSNBC’s Morning Joe. Della Volpe’s expert analysis also frequently appears in prominent publications such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, solidifying his position as a key voice in understanding contemporary American youth.
His recently published book, Fight: How Gen Z is Channeling Their Fear and Passion to Save America, further cements his expertise in this area. In Fight, Della Volpe leverages his extensive professional experience to delve into the critical issues shaping the lives of Generation Z. He explores how this generation is actively confronting and addressing the unprecedented societal challenges of recent years with remarkable resilience and determination. The book offers valuable insights into the motivations and actions of Gen Z, making it essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the next generation’s impact on society.
Beyond his academic and media presence, John Della Volpe is also the founder and CEO of SocialSphere, a research consultancy based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. SocialSphere employs both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to provide stakeholders with a nuanced understanding of critical issues affecting citizens, voters, and consumers. His work with SocialSphere demonstrates his commitment to translating research into actionable insights for a diverse range of organizations.
Furthermore, Della Volpe is deeply involved in fostering global leadership as the president of the New England Association of Eisenhower Fellowships. In this role, he facilitates opportunities for innovative leaders to connect and become agents of change, dedicated to building a more equitable and just world. This commitment to developing future leaders aligns with Stonehill College’s own mission of fostering socially responsible global citizens.
In recognition of his contributions to the field of marketing and communications, Della Volpe was honored with the “Future Legend of Marketing” award by the Ad Club of Boston in 2013, where he previously served as a board member. His career achievements have also been acknowledged by his alma mater, the University of San Diego, which presented him with the Author E. Hughes Award for Career Achievement in 2018. This prestigious award recognizes alumni who embody the commitment to excellence exemplified by the university’s first president.
Stonehill College President John Denning, C.S.C., expressed his enthusiasm for Della Volpe’s participation in the Commencement ceremony. “I am thrilled that John Della Volpe will be joining us at Commencement. As someone whose scholarship focuses on understanding young people and helping others do the same, I believe he is a wonderful choice to address this year’s graduates as they prepare to pursue their goals in the hopes of positively impacting the world beyond Stonehill,” said President Denning.
Janet Wu: Honored for Decades of Political Journalism
Alongside John Della Volpe, Stonehill College will also bestow an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree upon Janet Wu, a highly respected political reporter for WCVB Channel 5. Wu, a veteran journalist and daughter of Chinese immigrants, has dedicated five decades to journalism, with a significant portion of her career at Boston’s ABC affiliate, WCVB Channel 5, which she initially joined in 1983.
Janet Wu
As NewsCenter 5’s political reporter, Janet Wu covered twelve gubernatorial administrations, providing in-depth analysis and reporting on Massachusetts politics. She also co-hosted WCVB Channel 5’s “On the Record,” a weekly political roundtable that featured discussions with Massachusetts lawmakers and influential local figures. Prior to her tenure at WCVB, Wu served as the Massachusetts State House reporter for WGBH, Boston’s PBS station, from 1979 to 1983, breaking barriers as the first Asian American and first woman in this role. Her early career also includes a stint as a reporter for United Press International from 1973 to 1978, showcasing her long-standing commitment to journalistic integrity.
Wu’s impactful journalism has been recognized with numerous accolades, including a regional Emmy in 2015 for her coverage of the 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign. She and her WCVB colleagues have also been honored multiple times with the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Political Journalism, and she has twice received the Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting. Janet Wu was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2010 and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Emerson College shortly thereafter.
Upon her retirement announcement, the City of Boston honored Wu’s contributions to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community by declaring November 6 “Janet Wu Day,” as recognized by Mayor Michelle Wu. In 2020, she was inducted into the Silver Circle by the Boston/New England chapter of the National Academy of TV Arts and Sciences, an honor reserved for professionals with over 25 years of distinguished service to the television industry.
President Denning also lauded Janet Wu’s remarkable career, stating, “Janet Wu is a trailblazer in every sense of the term. Her top-notch reporting has had an indelible impact on communities across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Many of our graduating seniors grew up watching this iconic reporter. I know they are as excited as I am to honor Janet at Commencement.”
Stonehill College’s 72nd Commencement ceremony promises to be a memorable event, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2023 and honoring two exceptional individuals, John Della Volpe and Janet Wu, whose careers exemplify impactful leadership and dedication to public service.
