Professor Richard Miller: You people out there simply cannot imagine the pride and pleasure I feel in seeing a former student receive an honorary degree. Chairman Dachs, I have the honor to present to you William Stephen Belichick [cheers and applause], of Wesleyan's Class of 1975, to receive at your hands Wesleyan's honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
     Coach Belichick, Bill, you have delighted countless fans by bringing to your sport a cherished American value – innovation. You have proved that an agile mind intent on foiling expectations will leave opponents scrambling, the stands cheering, and commentators explaining superlatives. Here at Wesleyan we are not at all surprised that your admirers have praised you as one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time. [cheers and applause] They have cited your eclectic and far-ranging reading, your efficient management of the team through application of economic principles, and your insistence on placing the good of the team above the glory of the individual. We toast the amazing successes of the Patriots, and in equal measure we value the way you elevate the playing field by dint of personal character.
     On and off the gridiron your life demonstrates that coaching individuals to achieve their best begins with leadership by example.

Chairman Alan M. Dachs: Bill, Wesleyan is honored to award you with Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters. [cheers and applause]

Bill Belichick: Thank you. Thanks to Wesleyan for recognizing me with this honorary degree. I'll have to put this hood on my sweatshirt. [laughter] See what that looks like.
     Just one quick comment to the graduates. As I look at this group and remember sitting here thirty years ago – actually it was in the hockey rink – I would just encourage you to pursue your dreams, and your heart. And follow the course, for the rest of your life, in what you believe in. I wouldn't worry about the next paycheck or taking a job that maybe looks a little bit better in the short-run, pays a few more dollars. But pursue something that you really love, and all the other rewards will come in due course. At least that's the way it worked out for me.
     It's truly an honor and a thrill to be a part of two great teams – the New England Patriots and Wesleyan University. I appreciate all the support that you've given the team and the Patriots through the years. Thank you. [cheers and applause]

President ad interim Dr. Aram V. Chobanian: Will trustee Fred Chicos escort our honored guest to the podium.

[Cheers]

Mr. Chicos: Mr. President.

Dr. Chobanian: Mr. Chicos.

Mr. Chicos: Mr. President, I have the honor to present Bill Belichick for Boston University's honorary degree!

[Cheers]

Dr. Chobanian: Bill Belichick, you have two constituencies. The smaller contains the six dozen or so players from which you pick the 11 that take the field at any moment. Your larger constituency consists of all of New England, encompassing six states and thirteen million people.
     Here in Boston we remember that the New England Patriots started out life as the Boston Patriots, and that their first home game was played on the same field we are gathered on today, which was known back then simply as Boston University Field. Football has become a balancing act of skill, positions of linemen, of rookies and veterans, and of coaches who bring out the best in their players. You build on the confidence and skill of all of your players, and they believe in you and your philosophy of team effort. You don't seek to recruit stars to the team, you build stars from within.
     As you achieved mastery in defense through a series of increasingly responsible assignments, it became clear that you had what it takes to deploy all these specialties to win games – that is, that you were going to be a head coach. Although the Patriots had not won a Super Bowl in the 41 years of their existence, under your leadership they have won not just one, but two Super Bowls in three years. [Cheers and applause] Doing so both times with unforgettable, eye-popping, heart-stopping finishes. You brought back to New England the greatest end in sports – the thrill of victory with honor, delight and pride.
     The high standards you set for yourself and for your players extend well beyond the playing field. With your wife Debby you have set equally high standards in your philanthropy, repeatedly demonstrating your commitment and generosity to community organizations in the cities you have called home. The foundation you created is a very tangible reminder of your strongly held belief that we all share a responsibility to contribute to the success and betterment of the would in which we live.
     Bill Belichick, great coach and leader both on and off the field, Boston University proudly confers on you the degree Doctor of Humane Letters, honorous causa. [cheers and applause]