Doctor-Philanthropist Receives Caritas Medal During BPS Commencement In Ontario
It’s unlikely that a single member of the capacity crowd inside the Toronto Centre for the Arts on Wednesday night expected graduation keynote speaker Dr. Andrew A. Simone to begin his address by singing “His Name is Wonderful.”
They probably didn’t presume him that he’d break into song two more times during his 12-minute presentation. Or invite five young children up to the podium, not to mention Laura Simone, a graduation candidate that shares a last name but is of no blood relation.
Then again, Dr. Simone was presented with Niagara University’s prestigious Caritas Medal because he’s taken the road less traveled, ceding the fortune he’d amassed as a celebrated dermatologist to dedicate his life to the poor.
Shortly after Dr. Simone’s remarks, the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University, conferred the degree of bachelor of professional studies in education on 157 graduates. It was the eighth commencement held by NU’s College of Education in Ontario.