The Daily Pennsylvanian :: Editorial

When Penn soon-to-be graduates attend their ceremony in May, they will find themselves looking at a familiar face on the podium, Jon Huntsman, Jr., who was just announced as the speaker for this year’s Commencement.

We respect and admire Huntsman for his distinguished career in public service — currently as ambassador to China and formerly as governor of Utah — and hope he delivers an inspiring and insightful address. But he also has a long record of involvement with Penn, and we wish the University had chosen to bring in new blood.

Students have had the chance to hear Huntsman talk numerous times before. He’s spoken on campus in the past two years, and is an alumnus from a family that has made substantial financial contributions to the school.

Although we appreciate the ambassador’s attachment to his alma mater, graduation is a time to learn something we haven’t heard before. At a time when people are taking their first steps outside of education, there is a benefit to listening to someone from outside the Penn Community.

Penn is a top-tier school academically, and the graduation speaker’s name can be perceived as a reflection of the University’s prestige. Huntsman is certainly well-known and well-accomplished, but his entrenchment in and existing association with Penn make the choice seem lackluster. In future years, we hope the University chooses a speaker from outside the Penn bubble.

Comments (1)

To the Editor:

I must say I was shocked and somewhat embarrassed by the tone of the staff editorial regarding Ambassador Jon Huntsman, Jr. being named commencement speaker (DP, Feb. 23, 2010). In particular, the following quote demonstrates a degree of complacency and ignorance about current events that astounds me:

"...graduation is a time to learn something we haven’t heard before. At a time when people are taking their first steps outside of education, there is a benefit to listening to someone from outside the Penn Community."

Jon Huntsman is serving as US Ambassador to China at a time when China's influence in the world is rising at an astounding rate. At the same time, the economic power of the US erodes more than many realize. It is China - and not the US -- that seems to be pulling the world out of recession.

I am a Penn doctoral student based in China for my research and I have had the opportunity to hear the Ambassador speak. He offers a perspective of China and Sino-American relations that is insightful, future-focused and very valuable. Given the influence that China continues to have on all of our lives, I think it is a welcome opportunity to learn something from someone as closely attuned to where that country -- and indeed the world -- is going.

Perhaps after she/he has taken more than a few "steps outside of education" the writer will come to appreciate that the world into which the class of 2010 is graduating is far changed from the one it left behind when it entered Penn. Though I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the statement, a representative from Wharton Career Services visiting China recently reported the largest recruiter on campus this year was a Chinese organization. That in itself speaks volumes about the world in which Penn students will soon find themselves competing.

Finally, as for the choice of Ambassador Huntsman being lackluster, I can only say that I came away from hearing him speak in Beijing feeling that his political career is far from finished, and he may yet become the first Penn grad to be elected President of the United States. So, perhaps the reader may one day look back on her/his commencement and realize the opportunity that the class of 2010 had.

Opportunities for meaningful learning are not always appreciated until long after they have passed. Indeed many opportunities are passed up and lost forever because their true value is not appreciated. Thank you President Gutmann, for choosing a commencement speaker that has something worthwhile to say in these critical times. I am sure the great class of 2010 will come to appreciate your wisdom in the years to come.

Comments are closed for this item.