A controversy is brewing on the University of Michigan campus over the upcoming graduation commencement.
In order to celebrate the school’s bicentennial, the school is changing things up with this year’s commencement adding a video of the best graduation speeches over the years, additional student speakers, and a variety of musical performances.
The sticking point with students, however, seems to be with the decision to eliminate the traditional keynote speaker role.
“I kind of do feel cheated,” said Tommy Noble, a senior at the Ann Arbor campus. “This is my years, I want that for myself.”
Noble isn’t alone. Earlier this year more than 1,100 signatures were collected in a petition drive that focused on concern that the celebration focused more on the school’s history than the individual class.
The school has noted that the 2017 commencement ceremonies are intentionally different, but that the focus will be on the graduating seniors, noting that recognition of the senior class will be the main focus.
“This year’s graduates also will be honored because of their special connection with the university’s 200-year history,” a portion of the statement read. “Graduates will be joined by some of our most accomplished recent alumni who will be there to inspire and to share in this extraordinary moment for graduates and the university.”
There will be a number of changes for students beyond the keynote speaker, according to the university they are breaking from tradition where students are seated in the stands of the Big House. This year’s graduating class will be seated on the field of Michigan Stadium, a break from tradition.
The commencement ceremony will also include a composition put together by Roseanne Etezady, a lecturer and alumna in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. U.S. Navy “top gun” pilot, Vice Admiral Walter E. "Ted" Carter, superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, will also be part of the ceremony.
