The selection of famed newsman Jim Lehrer as the speaker for the 246th Commencement ceremony may be appropriate in the light of the increased importance of the news media within the past few months.
But despite the timeliness of the choice, some graduating seniors have not greeted the news with the same enthusiasm that University officials had hoped.
"I've always recognized the [speakers'] names before, but Jim Lehrer didn't ring a bell," Engineering senior Alessandro Rimoldi said of the selection.
Lehrer is the host of the PBS nightly news broadcast The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, a show that has been widely praised for its in-depth coverage and analysis of current events issues.
Lehrer, who will speak on May 13, has been recognized for his fair and unpartisan style in reporting. His reputation has led him to be selected to moderate presidential debates for the past two elections.
Some feel that Lehrer's long media experience makes him a particularly appropriate speaker in light of the recent terrorist attacks and the subsequent rise in people's interest in the news.
"He's a good choice in the wake of Sept. 11th," College senior Tina Hsu said.
Other seniors say Lehrer will provide interesting insight into last year's unprecedented events and their continuing effect.
College junior George Pissis said he believes that "someone who's had a career in journalism" is very appropriate for a class graduating, at this time.
However, there is one qualification which many Commencement speakers do have that some believe Lehrer does not -- celebrity.
Several seniors said they knew little about Lehrer or his work, which spans more than two decades.
Engineering senior Vivek Kagzi said he would "rather have someone I recognize" speaking on the final day of his college career.
And Wharton senior Tejus Sawjiani commented that "it's not what I looked forward to after four years at Penn."
Recent Commencement speakers have included Arizona Sen. John McCain, former President Jimmy Carter and famed comedian Bill Cosby.
Despite the negative feedback, some say Lehrer does have the knowledge, personality and celebrity to give a stimulating and interesting speech.
College senior Scott Pollack said he believes Lehrer has both the name recognition and the ability to give a memorable speech to the 2002 graduating class.
"The message is not as important as the person," Pollack said.
Pollack added that he feels Lehrer is "a good choice, well respected in the communications field."
The once-in-a-lifetime nature of Commencement has led many seniors to have strong ideas of what they consider to be a good speaker.
College senior Jin-Yong Choi said he believes a strong speaker must be both interesting and dynamic.
"He has to be somebody you'll remember," Choi commented.
"The speech should be something more important than a simple address," Kagzi said.
