Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank Delivers Lasell College 2012 Commencement Address

March 5, 2012

Longtime Massachusetts Congressman and advocate for equality, Barney Frank (D) delivered the commencement address for Lasell College on Sunday, May 13, 2012.

First elected to Congress in 1980, Frank has been one of the most consistent proponents and advocates of issues of equality and social justice. During his career he has sponsored or co-sponsored groundbreaking legislation including the "Veterans, Women, Families with Children, and Persons With Disabilities Housing Fairness Act of 2011," the 2007 "Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act," and the "Freedom of Choice Act" of 1993. Frank recently announced he would not run for re-election after 16 terms in Washington.

"Congressman Barney Frank has been a long-time voice for the voiceless and has consistently brought issues of equality to the fore. This makes him ideally suited to speak at an institution like Lasell with those same values," said President Alexander.

More recently, Frank is known for his work related to the country's financial crisis. From 2007 through 2010, Frank served as Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, which recently passed The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in the House, which the Wall Street Journal called "the most sweeping overhaul of the nation's financial regulatory system since the Great Depression."

Frank is currently the ranking member of the Financial Services Committee. Although he is widely-recognized for his work on national issues, Frank has also fought to help New Bedford fishermen, to bring commuter rail to the Southcoast, and to provide affordable rental housing.

He began his career in the Massachusetts State House, where he served for eight years before winning a seat in the U.S. Congress in 1980.

Frank is a 1962 graduate of Harvard University, and a graduate of Harvard Law School in 1977. He currently resides in Newton.