Cosby may address U. graduates

Secretary of State Madeline Albright, one of the University's top choices, declined to serve as this year's speaker. Actor Bill Cosby has agreed to serve as keynote speaker at the May 19 Commencement ceremonies, according to a source close to the speaker search committee. University administrators have yet to make an official announcement, although one should be made in the next few days, according to College senior and former InterFraternity Council President Josh Gottheimer. By contrast, Tom Brokaw was announced as the class of 1996 Commencement speaker by the end of February last year. According to another source close to the search committee, Secretary of State Madeline Albright had been one of the University's top choices for this year's speaker. But Albright spokesperson Kitty Barttles confirmed that Albright declined the request last Wednesday. Barttles explained that Albright has to make another domestic trip on the same day, and although her office tried to accommodate for both trips, it turned out to be impossible. Sources said former President Jimmy Carter was also contacted by the University. And while Carter initially accepted, he was forced to cancel because his grandson's graduation is scheduled for the same weekend. South African President Nelson Mandela, another top choice, also declined an invitation to speak at Commencement. And George Stephanopoulos -- a former senior advisor to President Clinton who has agreed to teach at Columbia University next year -- was another possibility, sources said. But Stephanopoulos spokesperson Jenny Parker stressed that he had not been contacted by the University. The College of Arts and Sciences has already announced its keynote speaker, 1977 College graduate William Shore, for its graduation ceremonies May 18. Shore is an anti-hunger activist and advisor to former Democratic leader and presidential candidate Gary Hart. College senior and former Daily Pennsylvanian Managing Editor Kara Blond will also speak at the College graduation ceremonies. And former Social Security Commissioner Shirley Chater will address members of the Nursing School's graduating class. The Wharton School has not announced its speaker for its May 19 graduation, although an announcement is expected soon. The School of Engineering and Applied Science traditionally does not have a speaker. Actor and comedian Cosby is a Philadelphia native and a graduate of Temple University. He received an honorary degree from Penn at the 1990 Commencement ceremonies, and he returns to the University each year for the annual Penn Relays. Throughout his career, Cosby has sought to impress the importance of education upon young members of his audience. Before entering show business, Cosby had planned on becoming a teacher.