Barnard in Bloom

This past week, Barnard College students received the exciting news that Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be delivering the keynote address at Barnard’s Commencement on May 20. Though some might be surprised by the mayor’s selection, Bloomberg is a fine choice of whom Barnard is rightly proud. As anticipation for the big day mounts, seniors at all the undergraduate schools should embrace the opportunity to celebrate their graduation from the University with such an accomplished speaker.

While Columbia College is constrained by its tradition of selecting speakers who are both closely affiliated with the school and willing to speak without compensation, Barnard has no such limitations. As a result, the school has had full freedom to choose its Commencement keynote speakers—a practice of which Columbia College should take note. Last year, Anna Deavere Smith, a renowned character actress with a strong commitment to activism, addressed the intersection of arts and activism. In 2006, Francine du Plessix Gray, a Barnard alumna and prizewinning author, spoke about modern leaders who exemplify ancient ideals. Bloomberg’s selection represents still another feather in Barnard’s cap.

It is true that, at least during President Judith Shapiro’s tenure, the college has made a habit of choosing female Commencement speakers. But Barnard’s Commencement committee does not profess to consider only female candidates. In years past, President Shapiro has commended speaker choices for upholding Barnard’s traditions of “extraordinary achievement, intellectual courage, and service to the community.” By these criteria, Bloomberg would seem to be a perfect match. His stewardship of city government has also had immediate effects on Barnard, which last year signed on to Bloomberg’s PlaNYC environmental initiative.

Some at Barnard have treated their high-profile speaker as a one-up on Columbia College’s Class Day speaker, New York City Department of Education Chancellor Joel Klein. But Bloomberg’s selection is a boon for all students. Because of the ongoing construction of the Nexus, Barnard and the University have reached an agreement under which Barnard will hold its commencement ceremony in the tented space on South Lawn where Columbia holds its own. Whereas seating on Barnard’s campus is typically limited to four people per graduate, seating on Columbia’s campus will be open to all. Bloomberg’s presence on campus should be further incentive for Columbia’s undergraduates to join in their peers’ celebration.