Search for a commencement speaker continues

photo courtesy of ncf.eduWilliam Dudley ('70) was last year's commencement speaker. Dudley is president of the New York Federal Reserve.

Each year, the call goes out to the thesis students: “who will speak at commencement?” This year a number of nominations have already been thrown into the hat. Science fiction fantasy writer Neil Gaiman is a likely pick, other nominations include the notorious alumni Brian Lee Bonfonti and Internet celebrity Merlin Mann.

Thesis student and Vice President of Public Affairs Alexander Cline sent an e-mail to graduating students. The e-mail asked for a name, a one-line blurb, contact information, the potential cost and a one to two paragraph persuasive blurb about each speaker. Cline asked that all speakers be contacted prior to nomination. The deadline for nominations is Nov. 17.

The e-mail reminded students that the Board of Trustees imposed a moratorium on paying an honorarium to any commencement speaker. “Ultimately Michalson will go with the person who gets the most student votes that can speak for free.”  Cline said in the email.

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