This year’s commencement speaker will be accomplished actor and Penn parent Denzel Washington.
Although his conspicuous connection to the University may give pause to some — especially after 1987 College graduate Jon Huntsman Jr. spoke at last year’s ceremony — Washington is an admirable choice, and his relationship with Penn adds to his value as a speaker.
Washington has won many awards for his work on-screen and on-stage. He is also deeply involved with a number of philanthropic activities, serving as the national spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and as a trustee of the Fisher House Foundation — a program providing low-cost housing to veterans.
His passion for the University is evident, and he has a vested interest in the success of its graduates. When his son Malcolm played for the basketball team, he frequented the Palestra to cheer on the Quakers.
However, we do encourage the administration to look beyond the Penn community in selecting future commencement speakers. Repeatedly selecting individuals with existing relationships to the University gives the appearance of lazy decision-making and limits students’ exposure to the broad range of experiences that exist outside the Penn bubble.
What do you think of Denzel Washington as this year's commencement speaker? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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