Commencement is a very difficult time in many of our lives. Many of us will be searching for jobs, planning our lives, and facing the reality that exists outside our gates. The point of a commencement speaker is to inspire and encourage. A commencement speaker has encountered obstacles and has overcome them all. They are able to provide perspective and life lessons that a student simply wouldn’t be able to.

The Seton Hall University Commencement Committee has decided that it is best to permanently ban guest keynote speakers at commencement. This decision was made without any discussion with students. Instead of a respectable guest, Seton Hall will extend invitations to students who have a 4.0 GPA. While a 4.0 is a great accomplishment, it is not they key to success. That student cannot be expected to provide insight and guidance to the entire senior class. Only someone who has experience and has overcome adversity after college would be able to deliver such an address. 

We are asking Seton Hall to reverse its decision and provide the Senior Class with an opportunity to be inspired. With so many great Friends, Alumni, and Professors, we believe that the talent pool is large and that the search would be easy. 

https://www.thesetonian.com/2013/02/20/graduation-details-must-be-communicated-to-seniors/​

http://www.thesetonian.com/2015/04/15/2015-commencement-shows-lack-of-effort/​

http://www.thesetonian.com/2016/02/17/shu-should-stop-slacking-show-effort-in-choosing-2016-commencement-speaker/​

http://www.thesetonian.com/2015/04/15/no-keynote-speaker-for-commencement/