Some people do not appear pleased with this year’s commencement speaker. I beg to differ! First, her name is Amy Gutmann, not Gutteman. Second, she was asked not because she is the president of Penn, but because she is one of the world’s leading democratic theorists, and her writing has influenced thinking on the subject in nations around the globe. While my students here at Penn will be listening to Kofi Annan read an address written for him by his speechwriters, Wesleyan’s seniors will hear one of the most important living theorists give what will undoubtedly be an engaging and thought-provoking address written by her own hand. Gutmann is charming, sincere and brilliant. Wesleyan literally could do no better in finding a speaker who embodies and forwards ethical reasoning and effective citizenship—two of the “eight essential capabilities” its faculty work to instill in every student.
As to the comments that the two Wespeak authors will not donate to WAF because of the choice of speaker, along with the implications many alumni in attendance will not either after hearing Gutmann, all I can say is this. I give to Wesleyan because I want the current students to have the best education possible, and I know that my contribution, as modest as it is, makes a big difference when added to all the others. I give because I care about today’s students; that is my only criterion. My WAF donation helps pay faculty salaries and provide financial aid, and that gift is in no way contingent upon anything but my concern for today’s students. I hope that when some “sap” calls you asking for a WAF donation, you choose to care about those who follow. Don’t worry about what alumni think about Gutmann, she will be engaging, and we will be pleased…as will any senior who chooses to listen.
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