Jones champions the 'force' of education

The actor, famous for his voice, captivated a sell-out crowd at Zellerbach Auditorium. The voice of Darth Vader captivated a sell out crowd in Annenberg's Zellerbach Auditorium last night as James Earl Jones made a case for education as the "force" of the future. A standing ovation greeted Connaissance's fall speaker as he walked onto the stage to the "Imperial March." In his trademark baritone, Jones encouraged those in attendance to actively seek out new educational opportunities. The government has the obligation to provide a minimum standard of food, clothing, shelter and education for all of its citizens, Jones argued. He praised the role of mentors in the educational process, noting that even if one was locked in the Library of Congress, he could not properly learn without an excellent teacher. "The past is our teacher; the present our potential and the future our mission," Jones said in the voice famous for CNN and Bell Atlantic slogans. Yet, the audience couldn't seem to get past his Star Wars notoriety. Many spent the evening in anxious anticipation of hearing him say, "Luke, I am your father." In a question and answer period following the speech, College freshman Michael McCaughlin said Jones would make his college career if he would recite a line from Star Wars. "The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force," Jones said with a smile, elicited cheers from the audience He stressed that he is not bothered when asked to do the Darth Vader voice and is thrilled that so many people continue to watch the trilogy. "It makes me very excited to be something so relevant to you kids," he said. But the actor, also known for his roles in Field of Dreams and The Hunt for Red October, tried to identify with the audience beyond his movies. Noting that his 14-year-old son is currently trying to make everyone around him quit smoking, Jones said that everyone has the potential to change the world. And he stressed the importance of maintaining one's individuality and urged students not to depend too much on role models. "I'm like Charles Barkley when it comes to them," he said. " You might get overshadowed with one standing in your way when being yourself would be much more brilliant." And he urged those in attendance not to limit themselves to stereotypes. "I would like to play Earnest Hemingway one day," he said. "I don't care if its with a white face or a black one. It's that kind of thing that opens your mind." Far fewer students were able to attend Jones' speech than most Connaissance events due to Zellerbach's limited seating. Irvine Auditorium, where the group usually hosts its speakers, is currently closed for renovations as part of the Perelman Quad project. Daily Pennsylvanian staff writer Mike Jaccarino contributed to this article.