2008 Woodie Awards
Graduation speakers choosen to inspire
Dumars, Land, Campbell to send students off
By: Valerie Carpani
Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
A politician, a sports star and a former CMU trustee will share their experiences with graduates Dec. 15 during the three commencement ceremonies.
This year's keynote speaker's are Trustee Emeritus Jerry Campbell, Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and Joe Dumars, president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons.
All three will share how they overcame obstacles to achieve success and share some words of wisdom, said Sharon Russell, commencement coordinator.
"Speakers usually offer their own life experiences and provide motivation to the graduates," she said.
Each keynote speaker will receive an honorary degree from the university during the Dec. 15 ceremonies.
"The three speakers were chosen because of their life stories and the success they have enjoyed can serve as an inspirational message to the CMU graduates as they move forward in life and pursue careers," said Steve Smith, director of media relations
Campbell is a 1962 alumnus and has served on several committees as a trustee. He is scheduled to speak at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony.
Land, now in her second term as secretary of state, is a graduate from Hope College in Holland. She will speak at 1:30 p.m.
Dumars played in the NBA for 14 years. He was a six-time all-star and has two NBA championship rings. Dumars become president of basketball operations for the Pistons' in 2000. He is scheduled to speak at the 5 p.m. ceremony.
"Speakers are selected because they are successful in their chosen field and are likely to have a valuable message to deliver to CMU's graduates," Russell said.
Russell also said the words of the speakers send graduates off to the next phase of their lives - whether in the workplace or back in the classroom.
Sarah Hibberd, a Washington, Mich., senior, will graduate with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.
She said she hopes this semester's speakers reflect CMU and relate with students.
"Going off of last year's graduation speakers - one speaker said the school name wrong," she said.
news@cm-life.com
This year's keynote speaker's are Trustee Emeritus Jerry Campbell, Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and Joe Dumars, president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons.
All three will share how they overcame obstacles to achieve success and share some words of wisdom, said Sharon Russell, commencement coordinator.
"Speakers usually offer their own life experiences and provide motivation to the graduates," she said.
Each keynote speaker will receive an honorary degree from the university during the Dec. 15 ceremonies.
"The three speakers were chosen because of their life stories and the success they have enjoyed can serve as an inspirational message to the CMU graduates as they move forward in life and pursue careers," said Steve Smith, director of media relations
Campbell is a 1962 alumnus and has served on several committees as a trustee. He is scheduled to speak at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony.
Land, now in her second term as secretary of state, is a graduate from Hope College in Holland. She will speak at 1:30 p.m.
Dumars played in the NBA for 14 years. He was a six-time all-star and has two NBA championship rings. Dumars become president of basketball operations for the Pistons' in 2000. He is scheduled to speak at the 5 p.m. ceremony.
"Speakers are selected because they are successful in their chosen field and are likely to have a valuable message to deliver to CMU's graduates," Russell said.
Russell also said the words of the speakers send graduates off to the next phase of their lives - whether in the workplace or back in the classroom.
Sarah Hibberd, a Washington, Mich., senior, will graduate with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.
She said she hopes this semester's speakers reflect CMU and relate with students.
"Going off of last year's graduation speakers - one speaker said the school name wrong," she said.
news@cm-life.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
December Graduate
posted 12/05/07 @ 9:41 PM EST
It doesn't take a Ph.D. graduate to figure out why Terri Lynn Land is on this list.
Was Land chosen with hopes that she would favor the university in Lansing?
I recognize Terri Lynn Land's success, but as a politician only. (Continued…)
michmediaperson
posted 12/06/07 @ 12:30 PM EST
Funny how Republicans are suppose to be barred from CMU.
But it's OK for Democrat Gary Peters to teach here.
Nick Smith
posted 12/06/07 @ 9:25 PM EST
Hey, at least the people graduating this semester get some even remotely credible speakers. When I graduated back in May, my ceremony had some corporate woman from like Weight Watchers or something, and people were practically booing her halfway through. (Continued…)
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