Cities seemed an endangered species in this country until you led the battle to save one and then, by word and example, so many others. Boston was a fractious and provincial place until your unprecedented four terms as mayor. With the instincts of a third-generation politician, a breadth and depth of historical knowledge we like to think was enhanced at Williams, and a youthful charisma that was certainly all your own, you raised the sights of a demoralized community with the vision of becoming a world-class city. You understood how the life of a city flows between its neighborhoods and downtown. In those neighborhoods you built Little City Halls to take government to the people, community schools to deliver a variety of programs to both children and adults, health centers to extend the quality and length of lives, and the Summerthing arts program to keep countless children creatively engaged. Downtown, you fought through derision of your idea to turn the derelict Quincy Market and the City’s seafront into thriving centers of civic life. Look at them now. In all these efforts you made sure to include previously marginalized communities and to appoint their leaders to key positions. As a result, Boston now stands as the world-class city you envisioned. City planners routinely credit its example, and your national promotion of the concept of the “livable city,” with the rebirth of urban centers all across this country. In recognition of your distinguished achievement in public service, Williams College is proud to honor you with its Bicentennial Medal.