Variety is the spice of life, and this year the University is breaking a recent trend by having a Democrat speak at this year’s commencement ceremony. Donna Brazile, University alumna and political strategist, will address graduates during this year’s commencement. The New Orleans native is chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Voting Rights Institute and former campaign manager for the Gore-Lieberman presidential campaign in 2000. Brazile, who was the first black woman to lead a major presidential campaign, will mark a change in the most recent choices of commencement speakers because she is the first Democrat chosen to headline the ceremony in the past several years. There was little variety among commencement ceremony speakers in years past. Some students have complained of the recent and repetitive trend of influential Republican leaders as commencement speakers, which have included President George H.W. Bush in spring 2001, President George W. Bush in spring 2004 and Vice President Dick Cheney in spring 2006. Brazile recently to spoke on campus March 2 to students in the Journalism Building’s Holliday Forum, and according to students who heard her speak, she is an interesting and informative speaker with plenty to say to University students that is relevant as they leave LSU and head into the workforce. This year the University’s choice is from a different avenue, and the movement to choose commencement speakers from both sides of the political spectrum is an improvement and a decision toward a more diverse and open campus. It is symbolic of the University’s pursuit of a top-tier status and mission to become a better, more well-rounded institution. But it does not mean there is no room for improvement. The University could still exercise more creativity in the selection of a speaker. Political leaders are not the only possible candidates for graduation speakers, and the University should look into potential speakers of different professions and leadership positions. Students should be interested in who is chosen to address them at the culmination of their collegiate career. The realm of politics is not inspiring to all students. Leaders from film, business and other industries should also be considered.
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