June 11th, 2008
College Commencements: Just Another Campaign Speech?
What’s the big deal about celebrities speaking at university commencements? Does it really help us think about our life objectives – or is it just about good press for the college? And why does it seem to be a popular stop on the campaign trail to the White House?
Most seniors have one foot out the door during their last semester, and commencement is supposed to be the final reflection on your college experience and depart with the inspiration to change the world with your newly earned degree. Even online universities usually have in-person commencement ceremonies to give students a celebration of their hard work and an motivating beginning on their next journey.
And if the potential future U.S. president is standing behind the lectern, you tend to listen a little more. But surprisingly, only one presidential candidate spoke at a commencement this spring (Obama), and that was a last-minute stand-in for Ted Kennedy. Hillary tried to elbow her way in early, and spoke at her all-girls alma mater back in November (after being introduced as “the next president”). It seemed like her husband was going to take the spotlight with his commencement speech, but he backed out of his commitment just a few days ago – supposedly over a labor dispute at the college, but it was also just after Hillary dropped out of the race.
But I think students pay attention even more to the quirky characters like Bill Nye and Dan Marino. They both spoke at commencements this year and had a roaring crowd laugh at their jokes and applaud their insights. Not quite the response from the current president at his sobering speech at the U.S. Air Force Academy. But then again, the past 8 years have been pretty sobering, too.
I skipped the main graduation ceremony at my university for the small ceremony held by my department in a lovely garden on campus. All of the graduates got the chance to get up and say a few words, and that was by far much more inspirational.
Comment by Priyanka — June 12, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
Yeah, I could see something more personable being more memorable. Since I’m from Tennessee, I’ve seen Lamar Alexander and Bill Frist speak at college functions – they always seem to be saturated with political motives.
Comment by uni.versatility — June 13, 2008 @ 6:31 pm
[...] even reported months ago about how university commencements could easily be a stop on the campaign trail for many candidates. Again, a core place of discussion about current politics. And, you [...]
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