Raytheon CEO To Speak at BHCC Commencement

Members of Bunker Hill Community College’s 2013 graduating class will hear from Raytheon Chairman and CEO William H. Swanson at the college’s 39th commencement exercises on Saturday, June 1.

The Raytheon CEO has also been named the 2013 recipient of Bunker Hill Community College’s President’s Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes “extraordinary commitment and service” to the school and is the college’s highest honor bestowed on a community or civic leader, according to the BHCC website.

“A business leader widely recognized for his leadership, Swanson has overseen strong growth at Raytheon, a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world,” according to the BHCC site.

Waltham-based Raytheon does business in more than 80 countries and is among Massachusetts’ largest employers.

According to the BHCC website, Swanson benefited from a community college education in his early years, attending Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, CA before graduating magna cum laude from California Polytechnic State University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. He also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Pepperdine University and an honorary Doctor of Science degree from California Polytechnic State University.

“As an active member of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership (MACP), a coalition of 15 influential Massachusetts CEOs, Swanson [helped] spearhead a new initiative called ‘Learn and Earn’ in which community college students, including many from BHCC, gain hands-on experience in the corporate world with placement at some of the state’s biggest companies,” according to the BHCC site.

The Bunker Hill Community College Commencement Exercises will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1 on the college’s Charlestown campus.