I’ve loved The College of New Jersey, don’t get me wrong. Such a comment means a lot from someone who begrudgingly entered the college only thinking the worst. Despite the great academics, athletics, and people here, I think it is a true shame that graduates will not get a commencement speaker for a second straight year.
First, I think there is too little input from the student body. Graduation is not for the administration, therefore they probably shouldn’t be making all the decisions on our behalf. There are surveys from everything from concerts to information technology, yet no input requested about hosting a speaker.
In last week’s Signal Alissa Rufino reports, “Students are also in favor of the switch from formal commencement speakers to honorary degree recipients.” Then she quotes two psychology majors.
I hardly feel that this is representative of the student body. That’s only two people and they have the same major. I think if more had been polled, the results would have been quite different.
Interestingly the one quote does not even favor the switch, as Rufino leads the reader to believe. Ryan Androsiglio comments, “I think that as long as they can get a speaker who is both meaningful and appropriate, then it’s a good idea.” One would think that if we can have a meaningful and articulate speaker, we should let him speak, and not cut him off after a few brief minutes.
Last year, when it was reported in the April 29th Signal that there would be no commencement speaker, students were outspoken in their disdain. Quotes ranged from, “I think it’s ridiculous. I think they should have at least asked us for our opinion on it. I don’t think they got much student input.” to “It’s disappointing. Every year you look forward to hearing who the guest speaker will be. This is our only chance to graduate and we’re missing out.”
Yes, I agree. I feel like I am missing out. And there’s no reason for it. Last year, the lack of commencement speaker was reportedly because more people would have a chance to address the class. Such a reason is illogical, because with more people, none of them will have the time to deliver a focused and well-developed speech.
It is vexing that the reasons for last year’s decisions have changed to include the cost of speakers, the lack of available speakers, and the threat of inappropriate comments.
I’m not sure why they charge a $75 graduation fee, when we don’t even get a real graduation. But cost and available speakers couldn’t possibly be the real reason that we will not have a commencement speaker. Those making this argument truly insult Dr. Cornel West, who will be at our graduation to receive an honorary degree. Obviously he was not too expensive, nor will he be unable to attend.
On March 1st, I had the pleasure of hearing Cornel West speak. Second only to William Schulz, he was the second-best orator I’ve ever heard in my life. His credentials sound like a laundry list of intellect and accomplishment. His words were captivating and articulate.
Therefore, I ask why are we restricting him to only a “four-to-five-minute” speech. One student claimed they don’t want to hear a lengthy speech, but instead get their diploma and celebrate with their family. But the only reason to attend the Lions Stadium graduation is to hear a speaker. If you want to celebrate with your family, then don’t attend. Also diplomas are sent through the mail and your name isn’t called at the Lions Stadium ceremony.
Finally, it is childish for the administration to be afraid of embarrassing comments from the commencement speaker. We are an academic institution and should be open to various thought. Maybe it will be disagreeable, but it is better than listening to monotonic pointless drivel.
I’m not quite sure if I’m going to attend the stadium graduation. I find it quite pointless. I hope that the administration will extend West’s speech to at least thirty minutes. It doesn’t take too much intelligence to realize that any inappropriate comments can be made even in a short five minute speech.
So, truly honor Cornel West as a commencement speaker or find someone else to speak at my graduation. There are no excuses for four years of hard work to conclude without a real graduation ceremony.
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Copyright 2004, Kevin Semanick