Their Vision, Their Legacy: Honoring Kitty and Michael Dukakis
Celebrating Kitty and Michael Dukakis
Boston has always been a cultural and historical melting pot, mixing old traditions with new innovation. But as undergraduate Political Science majors exchanged contact information with distinguished government officials and corporate sponsors, their uncommon meeting pointed to the unifying nature of the night's special honorees.
On November 15th, hundreds of friends, colleagues, family members and distinguished guests joined in honoring Michael and Catherine ("Kitty") Dukakis on the former Governor's 75th birthday at the Westin Hotel in Boston. Michael Dukakis served as the Governor of Massachusetts for eight years and was the 1988 Democratic Party Presidential nominee. Since the completion of his last term in 1991, Governor Dukakis remains active in local grassroots politics and continually shares his knowledge with upcoming politicians, particularly in the classroom. He currently teaches Political Science at Northeastern University and the University of California at Los Angeles. Mrs. Dukakis's passion for human rights, environmental sustainability and the arts has flourished since her time at Lesley College and Boston University. She currently sits on a number of boards for area non-profit organizations, including the New England Center for Children and Mapendo International, a group dedicated to refugee relocation and assistance in Africa.
In addition to celebrating the former Governor's 75th birthday, the evening's event served as the first official fundraiser for the newly renamed Michael and Kitty Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy in honor of their commitment to local government, community advocacy and political education. With thanks to the success of the event, the Center raised over $1 million for future research and expansion of the Center. Hosted by Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, the evening featured entertainment by comedian Jimmy Tingle and Grammy - nominated harpist Deborah Henson-Constant. As a highlight of the evening and tribute to Governor Dukakis'commitment to public transportation, he and each guest received a special commemorative 75th birthday Charlie Card.
But, perhaps the most telling feature of the night's festivities were the personal anecdotes about Michael and Kitty Dukakis. From former students to Presidential campaign staff members to family members, all spoke to the lives and work of a couple Tim Ferguson describes as "nothing short of inspiration".
The Northeastern University community congratulates Michael and Kitty Dukakis for their commitment to community action and urban advocacy.