- Date
- April 13, 2011
- Written By
-
Laura Lessnau
Michigan governor Rick Snyder, who earned three degrees from U-M, will speak at this spring’s commencement.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder will deliver the main address and receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree when the University of Michigan presents its spring commencement at 10 a.m. April 30 at Michigan Stadium.Snyder was inaugurated at Michigan’s 48th governor Jan. 1. Honorary degrees for Snyder and five additional recipients have been recommended by the Committee on Honorary Degrees, subject to approval by the Board of Regents at its March 17 meeting.It is customary for the university to extend an invitation to a newly elected governor to receive an honorary degree and provide the commencement address. The university community is honored that Snyder was able to accept the invitation and looks forward to his address, President Mary Sue Coleman says.”As a Michigan alumnus and the state’s chief executive, Governor Snyder is uniquely positioned to tell our graduates about the challenges and rewards of leadership. We look forward to his message, and to presenting honorary degrees to the exceptional individuals who will join us in celebrating the Class of 2011,” Coleman said.The Committee on Honorary Degrees has recommended that honorary degrees also be awarded to:
- Vernon Ehlers, former congressman and physicist, Doctor of Laws.
- William Clay Ford Jr., executive chairman of the board of directors, Ford Motor Co., Doctor of Laws.
- Shelton “Spike” Lee, film director, producer and writer, Doctor of Fine Arts.
- Eugene Robinson, journalist and author, Doctor of Humane Letters.
- Stephen Ross, chairman, CEO and managing partner, The Related Companies, L.P., Doctor of Laws.
More information about 2011 spring commencement here.
Glenn - Simons Valerie - 1971 (A.B) and 1971 (M.A)
Although not stunned – I am not even suprized. I don’t expect for Gov.Snyder to be the 2011 “Spring Commecement Speaker”. I am dissapointed that he will be the number ONE reason that EDUCATION in Michigan will readh an all time low.
I would not leave my strong – outstanding friend alone with “Spike Lee” – he might tell him the right thing.
Together We Can,
Valerie G.
Reply
Gary Brodowicz - 1977
“…Snyder is uniquely positioned to tell our graduates about the challenges and rewards of leadership.” There’s so much I could say, but I’ll just leave it at “disappointed.”
Reply
Mark Zettell - 1983
U of M could have done so much better (although it would be impossible to top President Obama). As a school board member for a public school district in Michigan, I am still outraged that Gov. Snyder is willing to finance a tax cut for businesses squarely on the backs of our kids.
Reply
Tom McHale - 1998
I think it’s time to break with tradition. What a sad day.
Reply
Aud Zalop - 2001
What a poor choice on behalf of the University. This man’s “contribution” will be robbing children of education to support businesses who should be managing their own profitability. If we don’t educate our next generation, they will not be able to sustain the big businesses and the American dream many have come to know. This is shameful, and Snyder deserves no place to give the illusion that he is a proponent of education.
Reply
Robert Hess - 1976
We have some really great traditions at Michigan, but apparently Mary Sue Coleman does not have the courage to improvise when one goes in the wrong direction. The administration is now associating itself with a policy of taxing retired Michigan alumni on fixed incomes to pay for tax giveaways to the governor’s contributors. it is a sad day for us.
Reply
Joe Aponte - 1957,1962
I am a Californian who was in Michigan in February and read Snyder\’s tax proposals, etc. I also am a Ross alumnus.
I am appalled that we want to in any way recognize this man\’s terrible political positions. Bad move Blue!
Reply
Mary Vinette - 1987
This seems wrong on so many levels. The comments above repeat words like “disappointed” and “sad”, because it feels like U-M is throwing their hands up and giving in to some tradition. What about the great U-M tradition of standing up for what you believe in?
Reply
Bob Lust - 1978
It is truely a sad day when the best we can offer our 2011 graduating class is a commencement speaker who apparently has little to no desire to support education in our state. As an alumnus, should I follow Governor Snyder’s lead and withdraw my financial support(alumni giving)? No, I value U-M too much to do that!
Reply
Rosemary Brunner - 1977
Thank you for not only maintaining a tradition worth keeping but also allowing for different points of view to be openly represented. I think people of education, wisdom and wit should be willing to listen even to those people they may passionately disagree with; bad form and even worse for democracy when silencing of opposing views and actions is recommended.
Reply
F. Andy Seidl - 1983
I was disappointed to hear this news. And while I agree with Rosemary’s comment above regarding listening vs. silencing, I’d prefer we only listen and not honor with a MI doctorate.
Reply