Chase addresses seniors at Class Day

You might find the text of Chevy Chase's keynote address on the edge of a bathtub — or somewhere else in his home. At least that's what the former "Saturday Night Live" cast member told the University's graduating class this afternoon.

Chase, the star of "Caddyshack" and keynote speaker at Class Day today, said he "winged" his address after forgetting his prepared text at home (perhaps on the edge of his bathtub). Nevertheless, he offered the graduating students some sage advice.

"Of all the things I might suggest, keep laughing," Chase told more than 5,000 assembled members of the Class of 2005 and their families. "It gives you perspective, helps you understand what's important and what's not."

Referring to the students' post-graduation plans, Chase noted, "Some of you are going to take an exam for the bar. Some of you are going to walk right into the bar."

Chase was joined by several student speakers at the lighthearted annual event, including Patrick Cunningham '05, who asked President Tilghman out on a date, and Bradford Lyman '05, who offered a paean to the hit website TheFacebook.com.

Class Day is the second in the series of graduation events at the University. Graduating students, joined by their families, gather to reflect on their undergraduate careers and induct honorary members into their classes. The University also uses the event to award several academic, athletic and service prizes.

While Chase's address underwhelmed some audience members — especially after the success of "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart's address last year — others flocked to the stage after the ceremonies had concluded to thank Chase and have their pictures taken with him.

The senior class speakers — Quipfire! members Blythe Haaga and Tom Harrits, Margaret Johnson, Lyman and Cunningham — drew much applause and, in the case of Johnson, a standing ovation.

Referring to Bain & Company, Goldman Sachs and McKinsey & Company — leading destinations for University graduates — Haaga and Harrits joked that the three corporations had merged and were debating three possible names for the new company: "BainMcSachs, SachsMcBain or the Princeton Alumni Network."

Johnson indulged the fears of fellow students who hadn't found jobs at Bain, Goldman or McKinsey — or anywhere, for that matter.

"I've been preparing to be 'in the nation's service and in the service of all nations' for four years," Johnson said, referring to Princeton's unofficial motto. "But no employer in this nation or any other nation seems to require my services."

Lyman, who used as inspiration for his address a conversation with his father about the changes at the University since his father's graduation 35 years ago, spoke about TheFacebook.com, a popular online directory for college students and alums.

Lyman focused on the "groups" feature of the website, which, he said, allows Princetonians to celebrate their diversity and advocate for causes they believe in — like being for or against popped collars.

"If you're in a bad place, you can always join the group 'I P/D/Fed life and got a D,' " Lyman quipped, adding, "Should he log on to TheFacebook, my father will be relieved to find the existence of one group that existed even at his time, titled simply 'Harvard Sucks.' "

Cunningham, the final speaker, styled his address as a letter from his current self to the person he was in 2001, when he first came to Princeton.

"You will find out that tools are not objects, but politics majors," said Cunningham, an English major. "You will find out that it is not fun to tickle proctors in the dark."

Tilghman was also a source of some accidental amusement during the event.

Listing the benefits available to Princeton alumni in her address to the students, Tilghman said: "You will enjoy round-the-clock access to the endowment," adding, "But you know there's a hooker. I regret that caveat, but you're only allowed to make deposits."

Her rhetorical gaffe wasn't forgotten.

"Apparently we learned a good Canadian word," said Shoum Chakravarti, a Class Day co-chair. "A hooker is a caveat."

Even Chase followed-up on it: "I just want my key to the hooker, whatever that is," he said.

This is the third year in a row that the senior class has invited a celebrity comedian to address them. Last year, Stewart of "The Daily Show" spoke and in 2003 comedian Jerry Seinfield gave the address. Other speakers have included comedian Bill Cosby and former Secretary of State James Baker '52. While the atmosphere at Class Day remained jovial for the large part, there were a few moments of seriousness where the senior class recognized their peers for their successes and to induct honorary members.

Tilghman also announced the election of Matt Margolin, who most recently served as USG president, to the position of young alumni trustee for the Class of 2005. Margolin also received the Class of 1901 medal, which is awarded to the student who, in the opinion of his classmates, has done the most for Princeton.

In an interview after the ceremonies, Margolin said he was "thrilled" by the news and that he looks forward to being a voice for students and young alumni on the Board.

Donald M. Betterton, director of undergraduate financial aid, was inducted as an honorary member of the Class of 2005, which was the first one at Princeton to benefit from the University's "no-loan" aid program.

Tilghman, who assumed her presidency when the '05 students were freshmen, was also inducted. Charles Jones, a dining services employee in the Butler-Wilson kitchen, was inducted and recognized for his friendliness and ability to remember many students by name.

Chase and actor Ben Stiller, who addressed the class during Senior Week, also received honorary membership.

Matthew Shapiro, Antoinette Seaberry and Azalea Kim received awards for their service to the University. Joseph Robinson, Meridel Bulle and Brandon Nicholson were recognized for their community service efforts in Princeton and the surrounding area.

Athletic awards were presented to Neil Mehrotra, Soren Thompson, Will Venable, Stephanie Hsiao, Avery Kiser, Esmerelda Negron, Elizabeth Pillion, Alexandra Brown, Chanel Lattimer and Joseph Robinson.

Related materials:

— Full text of Bradford Lyman's speech — Full text of Margaret Johnson's speech