Former Secretary of State James Baker '52 will deliver the keynote address on Class Day, senior class president Spence Miller '02 announced yesterday.
Class Day, which will be held June 3, is an event in which students reflect on their undergraduate careers, while the University recognizes seniors for their accomplishments. Honorary members of the class are also inducted.
A recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University in 1991, Baker is a member of the Class of 2002's grandfather class. He also is a University emeritus trustee.
Miller, who said he made the decision with the class government and Class Day chairs Wade Rakes '02 and Ayse Tanyeri '02 after soliciting senior suggestions, said the Class of '02 is honored that Baker will speak on Class Day.
"Secretary Baker has distinguished himself to this great nation and to this University throughout his life," Miller said in a statement. "As a member of our grandparent class, a class that has given so much to us, he shares a link with the great class of 2002."
Because he graduated 50 years ago, Baker could express how the University and the world have changed over the past half-century, Miller said.
"And he can offer insights and advice to all of us about some of the challenges we will face today," he added.
Recent international events have made Baker an especially appropriate choice, Miller said.
"He can offer several insights to our class concerning life after Princeton and especially share his opinion about current events, especially the continuing war effort," Miller said.
Miller said he has received a "very positive response" from students, though some students have criticized the choice as too narrow. Baker was appointed secretary of state by former President Bush in 1989.
Before serving in that post, Baker was chief of staff during President Reagan's first term and treasury secretary during his second.
His entrance into national politics came under President Ford, who appointed him undersecretary of commerce in 1975. Earlier this year, Meg Whitman '77, a member of the Class of 2002's parent class, was chosen as the Baccalaureate Speaker.
Read More
GSG approves audit, delays budget approval after ‘insufferable’ meeting
Nikki HanThe final Graduate Student Government (GSG) meeting for the semester lasted more than an hour and a half when discussions over the proposed budget for the next year and a proposed Student Life Fee of $100 turned controversial.
The final Graduate Student Government (GSG) meeting for the semester lasted more than an hour and a half when discussions over the proposed budget for the next year and a proposed Student Life Fee of $100 turned controversial.
Effort to restore chapel’s pews slowly progresses
Ben GoldstonHead carpenter Jim Sullivan has been restoring the Chapel pews over the last year. The dry atmosphere of the Chapel has warped the wooden pews over the years.
Head carpenter Jim Sullivan has been restoring the Chapel pews over the last year. The dry atmosphere of the Chapel has warped the wooden pews over the years.
Metals, molecules, and medicine: chemical biology’s influence on health and sustainability
Aanya KaseraChemistry professor Chris Chang’s lab studies the chemical biology of the elements, specifically examining the roles that copper, iron, and zinc play in biology across all kingdoms of life.
Chemistry professor Chris Chang’s lab studies the chemical biology of the elements, specifically examining the roles that copper, iron, and zinc play in biology across all kingdoms of life.