Seniors snag $12,000 for 2nd speaker

UNC students could get a dose of Comedy Central during Commencement weekend.

Mo Rocca, a TV personality formerly of “The Daily Show,” might grace the steps of South Building to render UNC’s first “Senior Class Address,” if the plans of senior class officers come through.

Working with other branches of student government since last semester, officers are in the middle of arranging Rocca’s appearance the evening before Commencement to kick off the celebratory weekend.

Tuesday night, Student Congress appropriated $12,000 to the executive branch of student government to serve as a portion of the cost of bringing in Rocca.

Members of student government have yet to make an offer to Rocca’s agent.

“(The event) is all contingent upon his accepting our offer,” said Senior Class Vice President Becca Frucht, noting that if he declines, the possibilities of getting another speaker might be minimal with graduation approaching quickly.

Student Body Vice President Alexa Kleysteuber said that once the Student Advisory Committee to the Chancellor received approval to have the event, the biggest obstacle was finding a speaker at an affordable cost.

Kleysteuber said that while Rocca generally charges $20,000, he understands that UNC is a public university and asked student officials to make an offer. Now that Congress has approved the request, student government is prepared to offer $18,000.

In addition to the $12,000 from Congress, the senior class will provide $2,000, Campus Y will offer $1,000, and funds from the Office of the Provost will cover the remaining costs and pay for Rocca’s travel and lodging.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed that he will accept the invitation,” said Senior Class President Jovian Irvin.

She said Rocca’s name came about when officers were asking students for potential Commencement speakers. Irvin said that after researching the costs of different speakers and exploring available resources, Rocca was the most reasonable choice.

If Rocca accepts the invitation, the event will be added to the Commencement calendar, and UNC will have its first ever “Senior Class Address.”

Senior class officers said they believe this event is an opportunity to establish a tradition of having a student-oriented speaker contribute to the Commencement celebration.

Students have criticized past selections for Commencement speakers on grounds that they didn’t have a voice in the selection process.

“All students will be able to come to the event, and hopefully, it will be something that juniors can look forward to for next year,” Frucht said.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.