Indy Pete - Go Blue

March 12th, 2018 at 9:20 AM ^

The more we can have him affiliated with our beloved University, the better. He is one of the all-time greats. He accomplished so much in the collegiate ranks and professionally. Also, you have to love the NFL Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award win for his fair play, integrity in competition and respect for opponents.

scanner blue

March 12th, 2018 at 9:57 AM ^

the snoozers - -GM's president Barra, Zingerman's cofounders, and last years 200th anniversary vignette's.  The better speakers --Bloomberg  Gupta, Page ( I missed Obama because of daughter's crew regatta). Have also seen former players Avant, Chesson, Howard deliver nice addresses but in front smaller crowds not 30 to 40 thousand. Be engaging, enthusiastic and try to bring it back to U of M and the students not all about how great you are.

Mgobluebilly

March 12th, 2018 at 10:11 AM ^

I had a T-shirt that read “We Got Bush at Graduation”. No reason Michigan can’t get a high profile speaker. Good grief, just start with the notable alumni list.

Amaizin' Blue

March 12th, 2018 at 10:29 AM ^

We had Bill (William) Davidson for the B school (pre Ross days) and HRC for the big one just after Bill became Prez



Owner of Pistons and UM grad in Davidson was cool but he was not a big name outside that



We played euchre during the commencement. Is that wrong?

OldDad67

March 12th, 2018 at 10:44 AM ^

Alexander Robertus Todd

Baron of Trumpington

Master of Christ's College in Cambridge, England 

Head of Organic Chemistry

University of Cambridge ,England

Title: Man and His Future - A Scientist's View 

 

He was awesome! 

1VaBlue1

March 12th, 2018 at 2:19 PM ^

I've visited Cambridge many times, and I'll recommend a visit to the King's College Chapel every time.  It is astoundingly beautiful...  As is the entire town - Old World to its very core.  You'd never guess that some of the most advanced science mankind has ever dreamt up had its start in that sleepy little enclave of ancient brick.  I mean, the place looks like it doesn't even have internet access yet!

Der Alte

March 12th, 2018 at 10:59 AM ^

was our commencement speaker, but that was way back in the day.

Charles Woodson is an excellent speaker choice. A once-in-generation football talent, a philanthropist, and a genuinely good person. He exemplifies all that's best about the "leaders and best" Michigan tradition. Go Blue.

ThatTCGuy

March 12th, 2018 at 11:15 AM ^

The more Charles is involved with the school and the program the better. He is the best player we've ever had on the field as well as a philanthropist and a great represenative for the university and the state off the field.

LSAClassOf2000

March 12th, 2018 at 11:23 AM ^

Mine was David Halberstam, and I don't really remember the speech being all that engrossing. Of course, it was also in the mid-80s outside by the time he finished and it was only the beginning of May, and it is hard to concentrate when you're losing water weight by the minute. Pretty sure the one corner of my diploma has sweat stains on it as a result. 

maineandblue

March 12th, 2018 at 1:57 PM ^

Same here, but I do remember a great speech from him. Didn't know much about him at the time but he was an amazing and accomplished person, and his speech encouraged students to take risks and live their lives rather than just focusing on work and what society expects. I remember being frustrated that so many people had their cell phones out (in the early days of cell phones) and seemed to be chatting with others in the stadium. Was definitely a hot day but I thought it was an excellent address. 

xtramelanin

March 12th, 2018 at 12:00 PM ^

he was okay and that's all.  i was hoping he'd be dynamic.  not so.  for B-school we had like the CEO of Renault auto.  no recollection of his speech which means he probably wasn't all that special either.   

 

Vasav

March 12th, 2018 at 1:35 PM ^

In the midst of the recession in December 2008, he told us to learn Chinese. Kind of a depressing commencement. Of course that spring commencement had been at the Diag, which was kind of incredible. So, you win you lose.

Eleven Year Wo…

March 12th, 2018 at 1:53 PM ^

I had Lawrence Kasdan for Undergrad. I didn't go. I went to the RC ceremony where each graduate got to speak for a minute or two.

I went for my doctorate.--in the winter in Crisler. Speaker was Ann Arbor native Ken Burns; he was pretty good.