The announcement of this year's Commencement speaker, Doris Kearns Goodwin, has left manyDartmouthstudents surprised at both the speaker's identity and at the early date of the decision.
The Council on Honorary Degrees should have tried to attract national attention to the College with a noteworthy Commencement speaker to celebrate the 25th anniversary of coeducation.
Although Goodwin's merit as a speaker should not be judged according to her name recognition, the decision to have her speak at Commencement offers a weak conclusion to the College's mediocre celebration of coeducation.
This year's anniversary festivities has fallen far short of expectations. Simply mailing students a brochure listing all events pertaining to women (which probably would have occurred anyway) does not constitute a worthy commemoration.
The 25th anniversary of coeducation warranted a year-long program of quality events culminating with a Commencement speaker of greater renown.
