Since stepping down from the Indiana Supreme Court in March, former Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard has been busy attending college graduations. On Friday, he will visit his fourth school, New England Law – Boston, and deliver the commencement speech.

Shepard has also given commencement speeches at Indiana State University and Valparaiso University. Along the way, he’s picked up honorary degrees at those three schools and Wabash College.

Shepard said he is grateful to be able to enjoy these ceremonies and is uplifted by the optimism of the graduates. Even with the tough economy, the students are very hopeful about their futures, he said.