Do our commencement speakers represent Tech’s values?
The graduation ceremony held every semester to honor our graduates is an event that many people look forward to and cherish dearly. It's a moment of celebration, an opportunity to uplift first-generation students and encourage those who have overcome other barriers and set their sights on the future. So it follows that the guest speaker at the commencement ceremony, McAmish, must be an equally influential presence on his pavilion stage. we, technology Try to discuss the value of the commencement speaker as a whole, the qualities they should have, and any concerns you have about specific choices.
The speakers are an exciting start to an event that many students will remember for a lifetime. It's inspiring to hear from a variety of speakers and get their perspectives on things like entering the workforce in times of recession and job shortages. This is a way to connect the speaker and their story to the students and inspire them to go the extra mile. This is a way to see examples of people who have made a difference in their field, whether or not that foundation was laid at your institution. However, at our institute, there is minimal focus on commencement speakers, often resulting in substandard speaker selection. Commencement speakers, whether prominent or not, can serve as a sharp dichotomy between the student body and values-minded technology advocates. Although the institute touts diversity and inclusion and admits many people of color, its commencement speakers are often white.
here technology, we believe the tech industry should prioritize focusing on people of color and underrepresented minorities who have paved the way for students who will come after them. Such numbers can provide inspiration for students looking to break into a majority-dominated field. The technology industry tends to forget to spotlight the pioneers who had to establish themselves in this laboratory many years ago. Many students may find themselves in this position when they become graduate students.
On the contrary, last spring's speaker duo was nothing like that. Rather, it was two white men. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is a prominent and interesting figure for those of us who follow politics, but he may not be completely relevant to our target audience. Similarly, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, a Tech ISYE alumnus, has lived a life that doesn't resonate much with alumni. His speeches promoted his personal brand while offering advice about the importance of his family and shunning material possessions. Mr. Butker is indeed from the institute, and his speech could have been more engaging and encouraging, but it was still entertaining for many. Although we are not familiar with how internal reviews are conducted from within Tech, we feel that greater editing and streamlining of guest speeches to match student interests and values would greatly improve the experience for alumni seeking guidance. Masu.
Even outside the scope of the Institute, many notable figures are invited to give commencement speeches and are sometimes awarded honorary degrees. But when someone like singer-songwriter Taylor Swift receives an honorary doctorate, it can overshadow the true focus of these events: the graduates. Additionally, the work that students have put in for years to earn these degrees may be nullified. Many people go through great financial and emotional burdens to obtain a degree, and giving away a degree for the sake of prestige diminishes its value.
That said, for students, it can be fun to see celebrities at convocation. It's very different to look at people like John Krasinski and Swift compared to politicians like Blinken. It would also be even more fun if the speakers offered more unique explanations and advice for surviving after graduation.
All in all, the commencement speaker means a lot to those sitting in a sea of black gowns and white and gold tassels. These students are the soul of the institute, and it makes sense for graduation organizers to source inspiring speakers and streamline speeches that focus on the same students. We hope to see more representatives from minorities and underrepresented groups on the podium in the future. When we walk across that stage, we all have the right to see people like us shaking hands with administrators and feeling prepared for anything that might happen to us. .
Consensus opinions reflect the majority opinion of the editorial board. technologybut not necessarily the opinions of the individual editors.
