March 24, 2017 (Boston, MA) - Home improvement pioneer Bob Vila is The Boston Architectural College’s commencement speaker this year. The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 19 in Boston’s Old South Church at 645 Boylston Street.

Vila, an alumnus of the College, is the founding host of This Old House, which can still be seen on Public Broadcasting Service stations around the United States. Vila attended the BAC during the 1970s, and his career took off after winning the Better Homes and Gardens “Heritage House of 1978” for his restoration of a Victorian Italianate house in Newton, Massachusetts. He then hosted This Old House until he left in 1989. Vila also has written 10 books, including a five-book series titled Bob Vila's Guide to Historic Homes of America.

“We are honored to have Bob Vila as our commencement speaker,” said Glen LeRoy, president of the BAC. “Through his television shows, writings, and appearances, he has exposed and educated millions of people to the value of design, historic preservation, and home improvement.”

Founded more than 125 years ago, The Boston Architectural College offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, and design studies. It also provides certificates in digital design and visualization and in sustainable design. The BAC was the first architectural school to offer online architecture and design degrees.

                                                            ###

Contact: Betsy Butterworth - 617.585.0216