Dad, meet grad: Bruins GM Don Sweeney to deliver speech, diploma to son at Nichols commencement

WORCESTER — Don Sweeney will not be focused on his task as general manager of the Boston Bruins on Saturday morning. 

It seems a bit odd since the Bruins are in the midst of their first-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Sweeney will be focused on his family.

His son, Jarrod, is graduating from Nichols College, and Sweeney will be delivering the commencement speech before personally handing his son his degree.

Nichols personnel first asked Jarrod for his thoughts about his father giving the commencement speech before contacting Sweeney, who admitted he was a little hesitant because he did not want to take away from his son’s graduation.

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“It is unique, and I certainly asked how he felt about it when I was first approached, because in no way, shape, or form do I want to take away from his accomplishment, and his day,” Sweeney said. “He felt differently. He felt it would be a way to share in his day.”

Having his son’s blessing to participate in such a manner was paramount before Sweeney accepted the school’s invitation. He will also receive an honorary doctor of business administration degree from Nichols College.

'Privilege to be asked'

“Obviously, it’s a privilege to be asked, so I’m very appreciative of President (Glen) Sulmasy and Nichols College, but most importantly to Jarrod and for all his accomplishments,” Sweeney said.

Jarrod is receiving his dual degree in sports marketing and management. It’s been a wonderful experience for Jarrod at Nichols College.

“He’s really enjoyed Nichols,” Sweeney said. “He had the opportunity to continue to play lacrosse and be part of a team, which was important to him in some capacity to contribute in that way. It’s a small, close-knit community that’s very supportive.

“Coming from Landmark School, that was also important for Jarrod. The relationship with teachers, professors and fellow classmates allowed him to thrive in a smaller environment that has more of a nurturing feel to it. Nichols was really good to him and he did well.”

Since the Bruins are in the midst of the playoffs, the timing of the graduation works out since Saturday is an off-day. Plus, it’s an opportunity for Sweeney to not think about hockey for a few hours and focus on his family.

“I would have been there regardless of our schedule,” Sweeney said. “It’s an opportunity for me to stand back and really just shake Jarrod’s hand, because obviously a college graduation is a big part of the life experience.

“Family has always been a priority for me, regardless if I played (hockey), or been in management. I have a ridiculously supportive wife, Christine, thankfully, and Jarrod has a twin brother, Tyler, who has been supportive, so it’s a great opportunity for us to acknowledge as a family that’s where the priorities are and always will be.”

Dad's graduation from Harvard

Even though Sweeney was a black ace for the Bruins during their 1988 Stanley Cup appearance, he was able to attend his graduation from Harvard in 1988.

Oscar Arias, the president of Costa Rica and the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, gave the commencement speech.

Sweeney has been working on his speech since the moment he accepted the invitation.

“These things come together at the very last minute, in terms of anecdotes and the message you want to try to send,” Sweeney said. “It’s a little bit of your own life’s journey and experiences that allow people to realize we are all going to fall, but how you dust yourself off is a big part of that process.”

Sulmasy will preside over his first graduation since becoming the Nichols College president in July 2021.

The college will confer 504 undergraduate and graduate degrees Saturday at the DCU Center.

Contact Joe McDonald at JMcDonald2@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeyMacHockey