Massachussetts Chief Justice to speak at 147th commencement

Massachusetts Chief Justice Margaret Marshall will speak at Tufts' 147th commencement, the University announced yesterday evening. A native of South Africa, Marshall is the first woman to lead the 311-year-old court, the oldest court in the Western Hemisphere.

"As an activist in South Africa and now as the state's chief justice, Margaret Marshall has dedicated her life to protecting freedom and justice," President Larry Bacow said in a press release. "Chief Justice Marshall embodies the value of public service that we encourage and cultivate in all of our students at Tufts. Her tireless life's work in support of social justice should serve as inspiration to us all."

The announcement comes much later this year than last, when the University announced that Pierre and Pam Omidyar would be the 146th commencement speakers in mid February.

Some seniors were disappointed by the decision, saying that they would like a more prominent figure. "I'm sure she'll be interesting to hear, but I feel like there have been better speakers in years past," senior James Rasulo said. "I think it would have been better to have a more influential speaker, especially given the current situation in the world"

Added senior Chris Goodchild, "It would have been nice to see a more high-profile speaker, considering the level the University has reached over the past couple of years. But, since I don't really know anything about this woman, I certainly won't come in with any preconceptions, which may be nice for a change."

Last year's commencement speakers, Pierre and Pam Omidyar were not received with open arms by students either, with many complaining that the Omidyars were not high profile enough, and that they already had spoken at Tufts' Light on the Hill ceremony.

Marshall graduated from Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg in 1966. That year, she was elected president of the National Union of South African Students. In this capacity, she became a leader in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. She came to the United States in 1968 to pursue her graduate studies.

First appointed as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court in November 1996, Marshall was named as Chief Justice in September 1999 by Governor Cellucci, and began her term on Oct. 14, 1999, following her confirmation by the Governor's Council.

Chief Justice Marshall is the second woman to serve on the Supreme Judicial Court in its history, and the first woman to serve as Chief Justice.

Recent past commencement speakers include renowned journalist Jim Lehrer, author Bette Bao Lord (F'60), and comedian Bill Cosby.