“Wow, just another CEO speech:” Commencement speaker disappoints Class of 2012
Commencement is a time for graduates to celebrate their achievements over their four undergraduate years, to reflect on their successes alongside their peers and look forward to the possibilities of the future. An essential part of this yearly tradition is the Commencement speech, typically delivered by an individual of some renown who imparts kernels of wisdom to the new graduates.
On May 21, Wake Forest’s distinguished Class of 2012 received their diplomas. Yet, one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of Commencement – the keynote speech – was an embarrassment. In Ergen’s own words, “Wow, just another CEO speech.” Now, it is no secret that the Old Gold & Black has long expressed reservations about the choice of Charlie Ergen, this year’s Commencement speaker (“Choice of Commencement Speaker prioritizes ties to business,” April 5).
- Photo courtesy of Media Relations
Despite our dissatisfaction with the choice of speaker, however, we were prepared to be open-minded, to look past the fact that Ergen represents the third CEO in a row to deliver the Commencement address. We hoped that we would be proven wrong, that Ergen would speak to the entire Class of 2012. We were wrong on all counts.
Our initial concern was that the choice of Ergen represented this administration’s growing dedication to the Schools of Business at the cost of the liberal arts. We worried that Ergen’s remarks would only resonate with those in the business school. It was worse than that. An ode to the hackneyed and trite, Ergen’s entire address was targeted to one student – his daughter, who is a member of the Class of 2012 – addressing her exclusively throughout the speech. The Class of 2012 was an afterthought, meriting only a mention at the conclusion of the speech. These graduates deserved better than that.
His speech ignored the illustrious words of the great thinkers and scholars students have read during their four years at Wake and chose instead to focus on the esteemed wisdom of Dr. Seuss, Curious George, Matilda, and The Runaway Bunny. Not that there is no knowledge to be found in children’s books – we learned much from the late, great Maurice Sendak – but a Commencement address is hardly the place for them. Where was the dedication to Pro Humanitate? Where was the emphasis on the liberal arts that defines this university (or used to, anyway)?
In order to underscore our disappointment, we have compiled key passages from Ergen’s speech below and compared them with those from past Wake Commencement speakers. The discrepancies are disheartening.
We can do better than this. We can be better than this. The university deserves reassurance from President Hatch that this won’t happen again. We therefore call upon President Hatch to directly involve students, faculty, and administrators from all areas in determining next year’s graduation speaker. We call upon President Hatch to clearly outline by the time students return in August how that speaker will be chosen next year. Our graduates work extraordinarily hard for four years to be able to walk across that stage at Commencement. At the very least, they deserve a speech addressed to them, at an intellectual level worthy of a top university.
Comparisons between Ergen and previous Wake Commencement speakers:
Secretary of State Colin Powell, 2004: “You’ve been taught to work for goals that transcend the individual: service to community, service to country, service to mankind. Your motto, “Pro Humanitate,” says it all. Never forget it. And never forget the obligation those two words place upon each and every one of you and place upon your heart.”
Ergen, 2012: “Kerry, I am very proud of you today, and I hope that you know that you will always be my little bunny and that you will always have a place to come home to. Congratulations to you all for a job well done.”
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Vice President Joe Biden, 2009: “William Butler Yeats was right…There’s a great line in one of Yeats’ poems about the first rising in Ireland. It’s called Easter Sunday, 1916. And the line is more applicable to your generation than it was to his Ireland in 1960. And he said: All changed, changed utterly. A terrible beauty has been born. When I graduated, all had not changed utterly yet. Today, it has. And in the last 12 to 15 years, a terrible beauty has been born. It’s a different world out there than it has been any time in the last millennia. But we have an opportunity to make it beautiful, because it is in motion.”
Ergen, 2012: “He [The Cat in the Hat] says, ‘Young cat, keep your eyes open enough, oh the stuff you will learn, the most wonderful stuff.’ And then later on, ‘the more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you will go.’ Without question, that is the single best piece of advice I can give you today. “
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New York Times Columnist David Brooks, 2007: “Create a posse of dead people. Create an entourage of heroes. Put their pictures on your wall, and keep them in your mind. They will remind you of your place in the hidden river of wisdom. They’ll serve as models. They’ll give you an honest perspective on how you’re doing. They’ll remind you that your blessings don’t come from you but from those who came before you.”
Ergen, 2012: “I’m pleased today just to thank Dr. Bern Beatty, who was one of my professors and my mentor back in 1976 and still teaching…And I’m very proud that the University will honor Dr. Beatty with a new business school atrium named in his honor.”
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Washington Post Columnist E.J. Dionne, Jr., 2008: “I am calling upon you to be the generation that transforms charity into justice, cynicism into hope, division into dialogue, selfishness into generosity, impatience with politicians into a belief in the possibilities of politics and public life.”
Ergen, 2012: “So, let’s sum it up. Never stop learning. Be curious. Try new things. Get really good at something and have the nerve to go the whole hog. Kerry, these are the lessons we learned as we grew up. Thank you for letting me remind you of them today.”
The full text of Ergen’s speech is available here: http://commencement.news.wfu.edu/c2012/2012-speaker-charlie-ergen/
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Man, this is bad. Bad, bad, bad. I think my 9 year old cousin could have written a better speech.
The point of allowing him to give the commencement speech is about the large donation he is expected to make in return, which quite frankly is far more important to the school than anything that anyone could have said in a 45 minute time period, and is something the school has struggled with mightily. Also, if you plan on having a real job after graduation the words of a CEO probably have some merit, regardless of what you picked and choose to quote.
OGB editors, your faculty are behind you. We are embarrassed and disappointed that such a low standard is allowed on a day marking your achievement. Several of us will be raising this as an issue with the Pres.
As an alumnus of Wake Forest University, I find this APPALLING. Oh, and Alex–I would much rather FORGO any donation than to hear Ergin’s speech. I highly doubt Vice President Biden, General Colin Powell, or the columnists were expected to make any donation to Wake Forest University. Wake Forest can raise money in other ways. This was extremely shameful, and I feel awful for the Class of 2012. Many of these students worked extremely hard to make it out of “Work Forest,” and deserved so much more in a commencement speaker. I understand he is proud of his daughter, but he should’ve kept the “I’m proud of you snuggums” comments to a MINIMUM…
It was awful. I came in with an open mind and it was so bad. It was so bad that I felt awkward watching him receive his honorary degree. The worst was when he told everybody not to do what they love, because if he did that, he’d be dealing black jack. The majority of the students in the audience were liberal arts, and had studied what they love for four years. Talk about not knowing his audience. The speaker at baccalaureate put it so much better, that you should find where your passions and the world’s needs meet. Ergen’s speech was embarrassing.
I am VERY glad I was out of town and missed this.
I find some of these comments more embarrassing than anything Mr. Ergen said. Keep in mind that you’re describing an alumnus, a parent, and the spouse of a current Trustee. So much for that Wake Forest sense of “community.” We certainly aren’t afraid to bash our own.
So a commencement speech was disappointing? It wasn’t the first time that happened and it won’t be the last. But by all means, RAGE ON!!!!!!
I am a member of the Class of 2012, and graduated from Calloway. Even I, as a finance student, could not help but feel disappointed at the news of another suit coming in to speak for my Graduation. I remember hearing Mr. Brooks at my sister’s graduation; so articulate, full of humor, and impressive in depth. Too bad I cannot say the same about my commencement speech memory.
The mission of a preeminent university should be to foster the expansion of the young mind, not to chase a buck or to honor a single student. Choosing the father of a Wake Forest graduate was a nice experiment with sentiment, but it was a failed one. As a rising senior, I cringe at the notion that in this supposedly auspicious moment, the University’s financially myopic concerns trumped the intended purpose of the day: to celebrate the achievement of the class of 2012. I agree with Charles, and I hope this is not a sign of disappointing speeches to come.
As an alumna and a WF School of Medicine employee, I would be pleased to serve on a focus group, committee, or in another capacity to help choose more engaging speakers who inspire with their words and lead by their examples.
What I drew from this is that he was only speaking to his daughter during this commencement and because of that, he wanted to use children’s book allusions in order to recall memories they shared in her childhood. Although that would be appropriate if he were giving a speech directly to her, it was highly inappropriate to give a speech of this type of theme to the entire class of 2012. If I were a graduate this year, I would have felt extremely alienated.
I am proud of WFU students for critiquing the mediocre address that was offered to them as they graduated. They deserve better than picture-book pablum.
While the construction of the latter part of this article–cherry picking particularly bad parts of one speech and comparing them to unrelated passages from lauded prior addresses–is an unfair method of criticism, the thrust of this article is spot-on. The extremely personal tone of this speech was inappropriate, and though I believe the children’s book trope was a good faith effort to deliver sound advice, it illustrates the likely results when universities choose commencement speakers solely for financial reasons.
What I thought was even more disgusting, however, was the thinly veiled advertisement for Dish Network’s new DVR–”And yes, you can even ‘hop over’ the commercials.” Despicable. I look back with fondness at my own commencement address, heartfelt and directed toward a lifetime of learning and integrity, and I am angry that my sister was not given the opportunity to form a similar memory.
The President’s Office made an incredible strategic mistake inviting Mr. Ergen to speak. Regardless of how good of a speech he may have been able to give, taking a prominent alumni donor and putting him a position to receive this level of backlash was ill-advised. I agree the speech was focused predominantly on his daughter, however, I thought he used her as a proxy to speak to the entire senior class. His message was not particularly enduring, and I agree I was hoping for something more impactful. But, at the end of the day, we as a senior class graduated Monday. Despite any disappointment we may have from the speech, we retain four years of knowledge and advice from great mentors, faculty, staff, and fellow students. Their messages were the ones that were going to stay with us after graduation no matter what Mr. Ergen had to say that day anyway.
Yes, Will! I looked over the transcript, and that jumped out at me more than anything else. Those references would have been more at home in a skit on a comedy show.
It is quite clear that the author(s) of this column did not approach the speech with an open mind at all. He did an admirable job of steering clear of Dish as much as he could (I think the ‘hop over’ reference was supposed to be a joke, although it obviously did not work) and delivered a very warm, personable message. Yes, his advice was some what generic, but it was useful, and he had a very unique way of presenting it. This was not “just another CEO speech.”
Frankly, I’m a little ashamed of my new alma mater and the willingness of its students, alums, and faculty to bash one of our own.
Count me as a fan of Charlie Ergen.
The Baccalaureate Service was meaningful and the speaker,Mr. John Reckford gave a wonderful sermon titled”The Good Life.”I am so pleased that we were able to hear him as he spoke so eloquently about the true meaning of Pro Humanitate.The most meaningful moment of the graduation exercises other than seeing our daughter receive her diploma was the ROTC cadets.Other than that ,we as WF parents were disappointed…
While the speech was not the absolute best in the history of commencement speeches, it was still a thoughtful and encouraging commencement speech. I am absolutely ashamed and embarrassed to be an alumni of a school where the students and alum feel so entitled and accomplished that they can bash one of our own. And I am even more embarrassed of the Old Gold and Black with your pompous and superior attitude – the mediocre quality of your newspaper doesn’t give you any room to bash another Deacon. I’d like to see each of you complainers get up there and give a better commencement speech. And maybe you think you could and maybe you perhaps can – but I guarantee you that you don’t have a multi-million dollar business built by your hands in addition to that.
Get over yourself – I am ashamed to be an alumni alongside you.
First of all, the singular of alumni is “alumna.” But the plural is definitely alumni, not “alum.” Oops, sorry for the “bashing.” Secondly, the essence of an academic institution is the ability to critique ourselves and others. It improves the quality of the university; your Wake Forest degree will be worth more if people aren’t laughing at the commencement speaker. Finally, having read this editorial, I think it’s safe to say that the OG&B editorial board could probably produce a better speech asleep than Charlie Ergen did.
Shame on you, Ashley, for stooping down to the level of those you are criticizing. You call your university’s newspaper mediocre, but it is actually the job of a newspaper to critique and evaluate the world we live in. Many students and faculty have expressed their disappointments about the commencement speaker, so the OGB is not alone. As an alumna (not alumni) you should be congratulating the Class of 2012, not standing up for a man who was clearly unprepared to give a meaningful commencement speech.
I would suggest that Wake Forest, the Wake Forest community, and, particularly, the Ergen family would be better served by having those unhappy with either the speaker selection or speech vent their frustration through the commencement survey just sent out rather than in a public forum. The survey can be found here: http://bismark.deacnet.wfu.edu/Adv/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=l8LH5pm . There are questions regarding the importance of the commencement speaker and the length of the speech as well as free response questions.
As a parent of a 2012 graduate, I was extremely disappointed in the commencement speaker. When I heard it was a parent who would be delivering the address, I immediately felt the influence of money was directly behind this invitation! In reading comments by students prior to the speech, I was not the only one disappointed in his selection. But I too tried to keep an open mind. As I sat listening to Charlie Ergen deliver his address my heart sank. I came to hear words that were inspiring and encouraging for all the students who had worked so hard to earn their degrees. Instead I heard a personal address to his daughter as though she was the only one who deserved mention (and really, shouldn’t these words have been delivered to her in private?) I also had the opportunity to hear an advertisement for his business which was the last thing I was expecting on this wonderful day. So when I remember motivating and inspiring words from this graduation, it will be those from the Baccalaureate speaker John Reckford and Class President Nilam Patel. I thank them both for delivering words of wisdom, courage, and faith!
Ashley- I agree with your sentiments entirely. I can’t believe that the Wake Forest ‘community’ (“mother so dear” as some call it) would say such negative and hurtful comments about one of its own. Mr. Ergen is an admirable and humble leader, father, and entrepreneur. We are blessed to go to this school and have such passionate members of the alumni community who offer their continued support of our endeavors. Millions would love the opportunity to hear him speak if only for a moment and here we are bad mouthing his every word. Quite frankly, if I were a part of the Ergen family and read these words about Charlie I would turn my back on Wake Forest like it has on them.
How daft are you people that you actually think he was addressing Kerry specifically? He was using her name as a proxy for the entire class as to make the message more personal, probably to avoid giving “just another CEO speech”.
It is sad that WFU would invite someone to speak and when they do, the “community” trashes them. It was a heartfelt speech to the graduating class. How about some compassion. Ergen is a fellow graduate. If there is a problem let the President and the faculty committee that approved him know. To publicly bash him is downright rude and mean-spirited. I feel ashamed of my univeristy.
Hate to keep coming back to this, but most of you who ‘weren’t happy when he was announced but had an open mind’ were probably expecting him to generically deliver a generic message. I know I was. When he didn’t do that it was too personal or too sentimental. I shudder to think what the comments on here would be if President Hatch’s message had been Mr. Ergen’s instead. Too bland. Too sterile. Etc etc.
Frankly, put that aside and consider this: he was announced a full 1-2 months later than normal. This means one of two things: 1) Wake went pretty far down its list to get to Mr. Ergen. 2) Mr. Ergen took a lot of convincing to do it. My guess is its some combination of the two so perhaps consider that likelihood when shaping the criticism you’re posting on a public forum.
Tim, give it a rest. The way that you are obsessively defending Ergen makes me think that you’re as much Ergen’s family member as “student” and “alumnus” are.
It is the job of a student newspaper to channel the outrage that is felt among the majority of students. When there is an overwhelming sentiment that can be felt by the editorial staff, it is their journalistic duty to provide commentary. They are not bashing Ergen or turning their backs on the school, they are simply reiterating and providing context to a feeling shared by many. In fact, I would venture to say that the people who work on the newspaper are more dedicated to their school than those who idly sit by and let things happen. Many of you do not understand the role of a newspaper, which has no steadfast allegiance to anyone or anything and who is editorially independent from the university. It is not the newspaper’s job to play nice with everyone – it is to report what is going on in the community. The fact is: the MAJORITY of people are disappointed with Ergen’s speech. There is no changing that or spinning that. Don’t call out a newspaper who is simply doing their job, and doing a good job at that. Also, it clearly states that Ergen himself said “Wow, just another CEO speech” Those are not the words created by the OGB.
Gee, this issue has really struck a nerve. If you express a concern about the
tone of comments and opinion, you’re accused of being someone’s relative. It suggests there are deeper concerns at play, perhaps the future of liberal arts versus business, resource allocation concerns or maybe a lack of confidence in how decisons are made at WFU? Now those might be worthy subjects for discussion in the OGB.
The speech was no less appalling than I expected. A large contributor apparently can choose among several options. Pro Humanitate once meant a lot at WF; it seems to have been replaced by allegiance to Ayn Rand. For those who wonder what has happened at WF, I recommend reading the following on administrative bloat: http://www.carolinajournal.com/exclusives/display_exclusive.html?id=6756
I love how everyone talking about the “community” attacking Charlie Ergen is a disgrace. Do you even know the Fight Song and Alma Mater to your own school? Doubt it. I was in the band all four years and these since of “community” is severely lacking. So, let’s lay it out on the table — it sucked. It’s over. I still get my diploma, even though my memories of this day will be severely tarnished by such a commencement speech
Everyone should lighten up a little. Sure, it would have been great to hear an inspiring speech, but if students and parents let one bad speech tarnish their career and idea of Wake Forest then there are much bigger issues with the university. Big picture, this speech while not inspiring to many of you, it will not ruin your perception of Wake Forest or influence your life greatly.
Business school resources/money vs. liberal arts will continue to be a bigger issue that will have to be addressed. The business school is having the largest impact on being able to expand/renovate the campus, place jobs, and increase the school’s ranking. It’s a tough balance between the business school and liberal arts but something that I think everyone believes can co-exist.
Can’t fathom the negativity here. I just read the text of his speech and found it warm, authentic and inspiring. He’s one of us, you should be.
Jake: This man is a prominent Wake grad and a major American figure. If we can’t critique one of our own, who can we critique? Being afraid to criticize leads us down a dangerous path. Undergrads, graduates, alumni, and families alike found his speech childish, unauthentic, and all but inspiring. Why shouldn’t they be allowed to voice that and look for solutions for the future?
Tyler, he could have easily hired a speech writer and pronunciation coach and given you the most eloquent speech in commencement history—and a lie. Why can’t you let the man be himself? Should not you of all people welcome diversity, tolerance, and opportunity? If nursery rhymes, pride in his daughter, and Black Jack are what help him along I’m glad to know that. More of us can be billionaires than we assumed.
I graduated in 1999. Francis Cardinal Arinze gave our commencement speech. I know that because I looked it up, not because I remember him, because I don’t. I can’t imagine caring, or remembering something as insignifigant as a commencement speech. It is simply a sign of status and I would wager most people are more upset that WFU couldn’t pull a better speaker, as opposed to having a legitimate beef with a speech they will soon forget.
Nathan O. Hatch
Worst
Mistake
Ever