Dorchester’s William F. Kennedy, co-chair of the public policy and government affairs division at the law firm Nutter McClennen & Fish, will be honored during the Urban College of Boston’s commencement on May 31 with the prestigious Robert M. Coard Leadership Award for his significant, and longtime, philanthropic endeavors.

Kennedy’s generous work and contributions have benefited a wide array of community and educational efforts, including Emmanuel College, the Board of Bar Overseers, Catholic Charities, Pine Street Inn, and the University of Massachusetts.

“Education, for me and for so many others, has been the pathway to closing the gap in opportunity and success when you come from a nontraditional background,” said Kennedy, a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross with a juris doctorate degree from Suffolk University Law School.   

.“I am grateful to receive such a prestigious award from Urban College of Boston, which is doing the crucial groundwork to improve the lives of Boston students from all backgrounds.” 

Lai Chan, a master teacher and assistant director of the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC), will also be recognized at the Downtown ceremony, with an honorary associate degree in early childhood education for her transformative work in this field. Malaak Compton-Rock, the founder of Angelrock Project South Africa Trust, will be the keynote speaker.