I am confused about the controversy surrounding the selection of Stuart Scott as 2001 Commencement speaker. Scott graduated from the University in 1987 with degrees in radio, television and motion pictures and speech. He has now gone on to be a national sports anchor for ESPN. Would this not be considered to be the highest level of success in his field? Is not this level of accomplishment, particularly when a Carolina degree serves as the springboard to such achievement, exactly what a senior class should seek in a Commencement speaker?
If a UNC chemistry graduate goes on to become a nationally recognized chemist, or a political science graduate becomes a noted political figure, or an alumna of the English department distinguishes herself as an author, would these same concerns be raised? If not, then do these particular members of the University community contend that communications and related fields are not academic pursuits? I would hope not.
Second, and even more importantly, the Commencement speaker is there to honor the graduates -- undergraduate, masters, professional and doctoral, of the class of 2001 -- alone. While I can see the value of faculty and administrative input on the decision, the graduates themselves deserve to be the primary determinants of their own speaker.
Moreover, you embarrass the very people we are attempting to honor when you publicly question their decision.
Jeff Nieman
Class of 2000
