Whitman '77 to deliver Baccalaureate address

Meg Whitman '77, president and CEO of the eBay Internet group, was chosen and agreed to speak at the Class of 2002 Baccalaureate service this June.

Considered by the London Financial Times to be "arguably Silicon Valley's most influential woman" and lauded by the Chicago Sun-Times as "the richest woman CEO in the world," Whitman has gone far since her days at Old Nassau.

Whitman majored in economics as an undergraduate and has served in high-level positions at Procter and Gamble, Walt Disney and Hasbro. Whitman has achieved her most dramatic business success, however, at the helm of eBay – the online trading company that has more than tripled its profits in the past year in spite of weakening worldwide markets.

Whitman has spoken at a number of recent University events, including a business conference for students and a talk sponsored by the Women in Leadership Initiative. She has taken a prominent position in the initiative, an effort started in 1998 to encourage alumnae participation in philanthropy and volunteerism.

The Class of '02 officers first proposed Whitman as a potential speaker two months ago after calling for suggestions. President Tilghman made the final decision after soliciting input from faculty marshalls, the chapel dean and senior class leadership.

Senior class president Spence Miller '02 noted that Whitman is an especially appropriate choice. "I believe, as do the other class officers, that Meg Whitman will make an excellent Baccalaureate speaker," he wrote in an e-mail. "As a member of our parent Class of 1977, she can reflect upon her 25 years since she graduated and offer us advice on what to expect in our upcoming 25 years.

"Are we going to take risks? Are we going to help out our fellow man? Because she went to Princeton, she will be able to present a speech designed around our unique Princeton experience."

Organization of Women Leaders officer Kate Lynn Schirmer '03 expressed enthusiasm for the choice. "It's really exciting to see a female graduate as active in shaping the future of Princeton as all the male alumni. Whitman is a great example for current female undergrads in terms of staying involved and giving back to the University," she added.

...Whitman's recent decision to donate $30 million toward a new residential college was not a major factor in her selection, said University Vice President and Secretary Thomas Wright '62. "Members of the senior class suggested Meg Whitman as a speaker several weeks before any announcement of the Whitman College gift because of their own interest in eBay and e-commerce and because the Class of 1977 has a special, supportive relationship with the Class of 2002," Wright said in a press release.

The Baccalaureate service is one of the more contemplative events of the commencement, drawing on interfaith worship to reflect on memories, change and future goals. Held in the newly renovated University Chapel, the service will include prayers and readings from various religious and philosophical traditions.

Until 1972, the Baccalaureate speech had been conducted by the University president. Since then, speakers have included Queen Noor '74, Senator Bill Frist '74 and, most recently, Garrison Keillor.