By Joseph Pawlowski
As 2,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students tied up loose ends and prepared to close one chapter of their lives this week, the University announced plans for the spring commencement ceremony, set for Sunday, May 21.
Among the guests to address the undergraduates in Shuart Stadium is Morton Owen Schapiro, an advocate for educational achievement. Schapiro, a Hofstra alum, is the president of Williams College.
Schapiro was chosen as thecommencement speaker two years after author E.L. Doctorow caused a stir when he critized President George W. Bush’s handling of the U.S. invasion of Iraq during his speech at the University. The crowed heckeled Doctorow, forcing him to briefly interrupt his remarks.
Schapiro has been recognized by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, the World Bank, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, the College Board and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for his study on the economics of higher education, according to a University press release.
Several University seniors said they hoped to hear unorthodox comments.
“I’d like to hear something inspiring without being trite and cliched about the world being our preverbial oyster,” said senior Patricia Avancena.
Gerard and Lilo Leeds, well known for their generosity and altruism, will also speak. They were cited in Newsday as two of the “100 Who Shaped a Century.”
The couple launched the Institute for Student Achievement, an organization that helps high schools develop an environment conducive to student success.
Gerard Leeds has taught management at the University in the past, and now, along with his wife, he returns to congratulate those students who have fulfilled everything that he works for and believes in.
Immediately following the undergraduate ceremony, leaders from the U.S. government will address the law and graduate students of the University in the Hofstra Arena.
U.S. Rep. Michael G. Oxley (R-Oh.) will join Sonia Sotomayor of the U.S. Court of Appeals in offering words to graduates.
Oxley, who will address the graduate commencement, is currently serving his 12th term in the House and leads 70 politicians as the chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services.
Sotomayor, a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit since 1998, will speak at the law school commencement.
In addition to addressing the graduates, the speakers will also receive honorary degrees on behalf of the University.
“I have never heard of either of those people,” senior Laura Fanelli said of the speakers. “I hope they’re quick.”