U.N.'s Kofi Annan to address grads

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan will deliver the commencement address for the University's graduating class of 2005 on May 16.

Annan, originally from Ghana will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the 249th Commencement, which will be held at Franklin Field.

"Like him or not, like the U.N. or not, he's one of the most influential people in the world," College senior and Senior Class President Matt Klapper said. "It really is an honor for the school and for the senior class."

Annan has recently faced controversy in his second term as secretary-general surrounding the U.N.'s management of the Iraq oil-for-food program.

The U.N. program allowed Iraq to sell a certain amount of oil and use the revenue to provide food and medical supplies for its people.

The oil-for-food has been a subject of much debate recently, considered by some as a necessary form of humanitarian aid to Iraq, and described alternately as a flawed program that allowed Saddam Hussein to embezzle billions of dollars in oil revenues.

"There's certainly going to be some unhappy people and that just comes with the territory when you get a politician to come and speak at commencement," Klapper said.

Annan has been praised for his leadership and diplomacy in international conflicts, including efforts to encourage peaceful negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as his work at the forefront of the worldwide battle against HIV and AIDS.

University Secretary Leslie Kruhly cited the widespread respect for Annan's diplomacy as one reason he was chosen as this year's Commencement speaker.

U2 frontman Bono addressed social justice issues and pop culture in last year's Commencement address -- earning mixed reviews from students and parents.

As with last year, the speaker selection committee sought to invite "a major figure in public life," Kruhly said. Another criteria for a speaker and honorary degree candidate is one that has a "substantial impact in changing the world in various ways."

The selection process includes members from the University Council, the University Trustees and a separate speaker adviser group. Though the latter group incorporates student input, Klapper still believes that students should have more say in choosing the speaker.

"I still do feel that our representation in the selection process is inadequate," Klapper said. "It really is our day."

The year-long selection process has no budget, as Commencement speakers are invited on an honorary basis and receive no financial compensation.

"We're thrilled that he accepted the invitation," Kruhly said of Annan.

Though College senior Emily Berman thought some students might be concerned about the U.N.'s recent problems, she said that most students and their families would probably be enthusiastic about the decision.

"He's someone that I admire," Berman said of Annan. "I think we're very lucky."

Engineering senior Michael Balsamo said he was happy about the choice and hoped Annan would discuss "something that's relevant to the world and relevant to us."

Balsamo said he would be eager to hear about Annan's experience representing the world, and thoughts about how to deal with people as a leader.

Commencement speakers are allowed to speak about whatever topics they consider important, Kruhly said, keeping in mind time restrictions that keep the address under 15 minutes.

"The people we ask are sufficiently distinguished," Kruhley said. "We trust their judgement."

Amy Gutmann -- who will be attending her first Penn commencement as University President -- could not be reached for comment.

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