When President George W. Bush delivered the address at LSU’s 253rd commencement ceremony in the PMAC on Friday, May 21, many viewed it as one of the biggest days in the University’s history.
“It was a wonderful event in every way,” said LSU System President William Jenkins. “He was very well received.”
While few would dispute the novelty of the event, some question the President’s motivation and whether his visit will have a positive impact on the University.
“I don’t think the speech made us look any better or any worse,” said Hassam Parzivand, Vice President of College Democrats. “It was an attempt to steal nine electoral votes.”
In the 2000 Presidential election, Bush defeated Democratic Presidential Candidate Al Gore in the state and received those nine electoral votes.
Parzivand conceded that it is always an honor to have someone of the president’s stature come to the University, but said his priorities should be questioned.
“Our opinion is that we thought his visit is not right because he came for political reasons,” Parzivand said. “He missed his own daughter’s commencement.”
According to the Associated Press, Bush’s daughter Barbara graduated from Yale with a humanities degree on May 22. The President’s aides said Bush did not attend because his presence and that of White House security would be too disruptive.
Political figures also attended LSU’s commencement along party lines. Rep. David Vitter, R-Metarie, and former Gov. Mike Foster were both in attendance, while notable absences included Gov. Kathleen Blanco and Baton Rouge Mayor Bobby Simpson.
Jenkins said the most important thing is more than 3,000 Spring graduates were able to have the President of the United States speak at their commencement ceremony. He said everything was for their benefit, first and foremost.
While the graduates were the emphasis of the president’s visit, Jenkins said LSU may see some residual benefits.
“I think we received very favorable media coverage,” Jenkins said. “The president is well aware of LSU. Some of those [benefits] may become tangible in time.”
Jenkins said those benefits may include policy and legislation that could aid the University.
Although the graduates were supposed to be the focus, invariably, most of the local and national media, as well as many spectators, left immediately after Bush’s remarks — and during the presentation of master’s and doctorate degree candidates.
Ultimately, Bush may not have been the best choice, Parzivand said.
“There are better orators out there,” he said.