Commencement speaker adequate, but lacks name recognition

Tufts continues to be stuck in a rut of selecting relatively-unknown commencement speakers. Most Tufts students had never heard Walter Isaacson's name, despite his great achievements as a journalist and author, until the university announced him as the 2004 commencement speaker last Friday.

His selection as commencement speaker is adequate but not ideal, especially for an institution that is often visited by world leaders and considers itself a top-tier university. Isaacson is a worthy choice because of the speech that he is likely to give. A Washington Post reporter who interviewed him after the publication of his most recent book said that "his mind is omnivorous, his energies prodigious. He is constantly threshing information, tuned to a world of deeds and doers, far more comfortable probing a source and setting the agenda than surrendering himself to chance."

The administration is content with his academic credentials. Students can be sure that he will deliver a memorable speech.

The problem with Isaacson as our commencement speaker is that he has little name recognition outside of his industry. This is especially evident when he is placed alongside the legendary Neil Armstrong, who will receive an honorary degree on the same stage. Students desire a prestigious name because they are proud of Tufts. A famous person, a big name, an informed celebrity would bring attention to our University in our graduating year. We would be sent off into the real world with glory and confirmation of the value of our Tufts degree.

To be fair, the committee that chooses the commencement speaker is made up of wiser individuals who probably realize that many students will not remember the commencement speaker, no matter his fame. The caliber of the speaker is more important. The accumulated experience of four years on the hill is more important. The splendor of the event is more important.

Nonetheless, in our ambitious youth it is a shame that we cannot bask in the glow of a more widely recognized speaker.