Commencement 2012

Mulatu Astatke Delivers Commencement Address

Close to 900 graduates from 58 countries received degrees at Berklee's 2012 commencement, held at the Agganis Arena at Boston University. Berklee president Roger H. Brown presented honorary doctor of music degrees to Rock and Roll Hall of Famers the Eagles, 27-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss, and innovative Ethiopian musician Mulatu Astatke. Astatke delivered the commencement address to the graduating class and an etimated crowd of more than 4,000 guests.

Watch Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, and Timothy Schmit of the Eagles, Mulatu Astatke, and Alison Krauss receive honorary doctor of music degrees at Berklee's 2012 commencement ceremony.

Alison Krauss and Mulatu Astatke perform alongside graduating students at Berklee's 2012 commencement concert.

Class of 2012 Statistics

How many graduates? 895

How many women graduates? 280 (31%)

How many men graduates? 615 (69%)

How many countries are represented? 58 (including Taiwan)

What's the percentage of graduates from outside of the United States? 34%

Which countries beyond the U.S. have the most graduates?

  • South Korea (71)
  • Japan (30)
  • Canada (20)

How many U.S. states are represented? 46 (plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico)

What U.S. state has the most graduates?

  • California (90)
  • Massachusetts (51)
  • New York (51)

States with only one graduate each: Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, West Virginia

What U.S. city has the most graduates?

  • Los Angeles (12)
  • Boston (11)
  • Miami (10)

How many graduates are from the diploma program? 102

How many graduates are from the degree program? 763

How many graduates are dual majors? 121

How many graduates are single majors? 774

What are the three most popular majors?

How old are the oldest and youngest graduates?

  • Oldest: 56 (born 1955)
  • Youngest: 19 (born 1992)

What are the three most popular years of birth?

  • 1990 (235)
  • 1989 (185)
  • 1988 (104)

What are the three most popular instruments?

  • Guitar (215)
  • Voice (205)
  • Piano (151)

What are the most common first names for men and women?

  • Men: Michael (13), Alexander (13), Christopher (10), Thomas (10)
  • Women: Emily (5), Jennifer (5), Jessica (5), Alexandra (4)