Humorist David Sedaris, a frequent contributor to The New Yorker and author of bestsellers "Me Talk Pretty One Day" and "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim," will deliver the Baccalaureate address in June.
Sedaris, known for his incisive social satire and autobiographical humor, was selected because of his ability to write about personal experiences with wit, class president Chris Lloyd '06 said.
"We just thought that David Sedaris could give a very meaningful and interesting talk and we recognized that a lot of our class had read his works, that they appreciated his unique outlook on life and we were so sure he would do an excellent job," Lloyd said.
Lloyd said the class officers considered several possibilities before choosing Sedaris. The group discussed the selection with President Tilghman, who ultimately invited the author. "He was always at the top of our lists, so we were excited he accepted our offer," Lloyd said.
The Baccalaureate address will be given on June 4 in the University Chapel. Seniors will each receive two tickets to the event.
Nobel Prize recipient and professor in the humanities Toni Morrison delivered the Baccalaureate address for the Class of 2005. Past speakers have included Meg Whitman '77, former Dean of Admission Fred Hargadon, radio personality Garrison Keillor and Queen Noor of Jordan, who was formerly Lisa Halaby '73.
Crystel Harris '06 said she enjoys Sedaris' work but was surprised by his selection. "Because his writing is so funny, I would have thought of him more as a Class Day speaker than a Baccalaureate speaker, but that's just because of [Morrison's speech last year]," she said. "If the way he speaks is as good as he writes, then it'll be great."
Though Sedaris's latest book, "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim," climbed to the top of The New York Times Bestseller List for Nonfiction, the author remains unknown to some students.
"I don't think too many people are familiar with him, because I talked with some people today and they were like, 'Oh, who's that?' " Harris said.
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.