From founding Bloomberg LP to running New York City, Michael Bloomberg has been no stranger to the University’s favorite buzzwords of innovation and entrepreneurship. Come graduation day, Bloomberg won’t be a stranger to the University either. His 2012 commencement address should prove a memorable last lecture, leaving students with an understanding of the University’s entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. And for that, the senior class has its student representatives and administrators to thank.
This time last year, the commencement speaker advisory committee was only beginning its search for a commencement speaker. Only after students criticized the past year’s selection did the University think to start earlier and avoid the scheduling conflicts that forced it to settle on Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson. The timing of this announcement, combined with Bloomberg’s high profile, is a testament to the University’s swift response to criticism. That response is especially appreciated for a decision that doesn’t require University funding but, nonetheless, holds a prominent place in a student’s memories of college.
Last year’s selection of Wilson was less appreciated, drawing criticism from students who argued that he lacked notoriety. No matter one’s feelings toward Wilson, his selection was the last straw in students’ demands for more on graduation day. With Bloomberg, a man who’s made a name for himself in the public and private sectors, that same criticism isn’t likely to resurface.
But there will be criticism. As a prominent businessman and politician, some will inevitably argue that he is a polarizing figure. He is, in fact, an independent mayor who defected in 2007 from the Republican Party. His moderate political stance promises to foster a greater sense of inclusion. And his GOP ties show that the University isn’t only interested in what progressives have to say, a point some contested with former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs’ speech earlier this month and the troubles that forced conservative pundit Ann Coulter’s speech to be delayed.
When he arrives in May, Bloomberg would be wise to convey that the innovative path can be troublesome — and expensive. He must answer to the innovative projects he set in motion as mayor which have floundered. As the New York Times recently reported, the $66 million project Bloomberg announced nine years ago to modernize the computer system handling New York City’s personnel information is still in progress — and has cost the city $363 million so far. The “runaway” project, as one city official referred to it, has been doomed by the same waste, mismanagement and cost overruns that afflicted CityTime, his attempt at retooling the city’s payroll operations.
By answering to those endeavors on graduation day — if not sooner — Bloomberg would bolster his position at the podium. Regardless, his selection should inspire confidence in the future of commencement speakers at UNC — and in the University’s willingness to respond to problems within its control.
