By By Jeanine Poggi
Senior undergraduates, hidden under umbrellas and covered in ponchos, bid farewell to the University amid the spouts of rain and clouds that welcomed them to the next stage of their lives.
Though the ceremony on May 22 was cut short due to the heavy rains, the graduates did not seem to mind as they posed for pictures and waved to their families from the football field.
“I think [Stuart] Rabinowitz made the right decision to cut the speeches and allow us to walk,” Mayo Hussad, who received a bachelor’s in philosophy, said. “Despite the weather, I think it was a fair, smooth one [graduation].”
The new graduates were urged by the CEO of HBO to use the knowledge and talents they acquired at the University to better society and pave their road to success.
Chris Albrecht, graduate of the University, quoted the commencement speech made by Art Buckley at American University: “My generation has given you a perfect world, please don’t screw it up.”
He told the seniors to harness their talents to help contribute to the bigger cause. Going into a society plagued with environmental and health care problems that are just as big as terrorism, it is the graduates’ role to “nudge the world” and help fix these injustices.
“You are now full citizens, so lead the way,” he said.
Albrecht received his bachelor’s in dramatic literature from the University. Before joining HBO in 1985 as senior vice president, Albrecht worked five years for International Creative Management (ICM), where he was instrumental in signing such talent as Jim Carrey, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg.
From l975 to l980, he was co-owner of The Improvisation Nightclub in New York City. During those years, he also served as a new talent management consultant for ABC in New York City.
At HBO, Albrecht is largely responsible for series hits like “The Sopranos,” “Six Feet Under” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” all of which have helped to make HBO tremendously profitable.
He said shows like “Sex in the City,” are more than just four women’s sexual encounters with the city, the stories are actually more universal and about something bigger in the world.
As the rain intensified, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), who traditionally speaks at commencement, ripped up his speech.
“Congratulations,” he said. “You have a great degree. You’re great young men and women.”
While some soaked students were grateful with the concise ceremony, other graduates were disappointed with the long-awaited conmencement.
“I think it was poorly organized,” Lauren LaCapra, who graduated with a degree in print journalism, said. “I’d rather have heard someone who had interesting and useful things to say–like Chuck Schumer or another important figure–rather than have Hofstra give HBO a plug in hopes that Chris Albrecht will give bigger donations.”
Senior undergrads, hidden under umbrellas and covered in ponchos, bid farewell to the University amid clouds and spouts of rain. (Jeanine Poggi/The Chronicle)