Several distinguished speakers will be on campus today to participate in the commencement ceremonies for each of the Tufts' schools. The backgrounds of these individuals vary greatly, from business and philanthropy to politics and comedy.
Pierre and Pamela Omidyar (LA '88 and LA '89, respectively), keynote speakers
After months of secrecy and speculation, it was announced that the keynote speakers for the 146th commencement would be Tufts alumni and donors Pierre and Pamela Omidyar. They are known for their emphasis on philanthropy in their professional work and have been large contributors to Tufts since they graduated.Pierre Omidyar, who graduated with a degree in computer science, is best known as founder of eBay, an online trading community which he runs with his wife. eBay is the world's largest online marketplace, and includes 42.4 million registered users who conduct five billion dollars in transactions each year.
Pierre and Pamela met while at Tufts. Pamela graduated in 1989 with a degree in biology. The couple, who also run the nonprofit eBay foundation, received the "Light on the Hill Award," given to outstanding alumni who have positively effected the world.
In 2000, the Omidyars donated ten million dollars to Tufts to serve as the operating budget of the newly-founded University College of Citizenship and Public Service. The university-wide initiative is focused on ensuring that students graduate from Tufts prepared to be committed public citizens and leaders who take an active role in building stronger communities and societies. The college's signature program, the Omidyar Scholars, is named after its benefactors.
The announcement of the Omidyars as keynote speakers was met by some dissatisfaction from students. Some students thought that Tufts' Sesquicentennial called for a "bigger name." Others speculated that the Omidyars' substantial financial contributions influenced President Bacow's choice of speaker.
At the time of his announcement, President Lawrence S. Bacow praised the Omidyars in a press release. "Pioneers and philanthropists, Pam and Pierre Omidyar have dedicated their lives to building and strengthening community through innovation, technology and activism," he said. "At Tufts, we believe very strongly in these ideals and are proud to see how effectively graduates like the Omidyars have incorporated them into their personal and professional lives."
The Omidyars will jointly deliver the speech.
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
Madeleine AlbrightFormer Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will speak at the ceremony for the The Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy today. Albright was the highest-ranking woman in American politics from January 1997 to January 2001 when she served as the first female Secretary of State.
Prior to her appointment to the Clinton cabinet, Albright was the second woman to serve as the United States' Permanent Representative to the United Nations. She also served as president of the Center for National Policy, a non-profit research organization formed in 1981 by representatives from government, industry, labor and education.
Albright has also served as a research professor of international affairs and as director of Women in Foreign Service Program at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate students, she worked to implement programs designed to enhance women's professional opportunities in international affairs.
School of Dental Medicine
Dr. Richard Valachovic Dr. Richard Valachovic, executive director of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), will speak at the commencement for the Dental School.Valachovic, who specializes in pediatric dentistry, has held his current position since 1997. Prior to that, he served in the field of dental medicine and education for 20 years at Harvard University.
Most recently, Dr. Valachovic was Chief of Dentistry of Harvard University Health Services and dental director of the Harvard University Health Group. He has previously served as associate professor of oral medicine and diagnostic sciences, associate dean for clinical affairs, associate dean for government and community affairs, and director of postdoctoral education at the School of Dental Medicine at Harvard.
