David McCullough

Tufts President John DiBiaggio awarded David McCullough an honorary degree during the
University's 2001 Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 20, 2001

Medford/Somerville, Mass. [05.20.01] -- David McCullough, Pulitzer-prize winning author, storyteller par excellence, your journeys through earlier times capture the imagination and attention of audiences around the world.

   As the acclaimed biographer of notables including the young Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and, most recently, John Adams, you give larger-than-life historical figures a place and purpose in contemporary society. Your works contribute substantially to the collective memory of our nation and to the global community's appreciation of American history.

   Your books universally are admired for the thoroughness of your research and the brilliance of your prose, which together create an extraordinary experience for your readership. You bring history into our homes, not only through superb publications but also in television programming of unprecedented quality.

   As the narrator of "The Civil War" and host of "The American Experience," you have become inextricably linked with our nation's heritage, a familiar, trusted and passionate teacher.

   David McCullough, steward of a nation's memory, for the generous way in which you share your talents as biographer, historian and teacher, it is my honor to present to you today the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa.