From its earliest days in the mid-1800s to the present day, a number of common threads have tied one generation at Boston University to the next—a call for public service, a hunger for building community, a desire for learning excellence, a need for integrity and inclusivity. Throughout BU’s history, famous alumni, presidents and faculty, and distinguished Commencement speakers have used these words and phrases, among many others, as calls to action and to spread messages of hope for the future.