The Fourth Year Trustees announced this week to a palpably excited student body that Stephen Colbert would be the keynote speaker at this year’s valedictory exercises.
Students get a say in the selection of their valediction speaker. Names are solicited first from the Class of 2013 trustees, and the trustees in turn solicit names from their classmates. A comprehensive list is compiled, and the trustees make the final invitation decision based on class interest and potential speakers’ personalities.
“We looked to find a speaker that [sic] not only embodies the character and goals of our class but who is also someone we’d all want to hear from,” said Trustees Graduation Committee Chair Priya Vithani, a fourth-year College student. “There’s no one person that can do that, but Stephen Colbert [is] as close as you can get.”
Colbert, a political satirist, author and comedian best known for hosting Comedy Central’s acclaimed television series “The Colbert Report,” is a well-known figure among the student body. He has established ties to the University.
“Colbert’s wife Evelyn is a U.Va. alumnus, which helped us establish a closer connection [when inviting him to speak]. He’s expressed interest in the past and been invited before, but he hasn’t been able to come due to scheduling conflicts. This year, it just worked out,” Vithani said.
Evelyn McGee-Colbert graduated from the College in 1985 with a double major in drama and English. During her time at the University, she demonstrated her love for the arts, participating in several summer productions of the Heritage Repertory Theatre.
The Colberts furthered their relationship with the University in 2011, when they made a generous donation to establish the College Arts Scholars program . The program, which has benefited 27 students so far, gives access to the best arts resources at the University, provides a senior faculty member as an advisor-mentor and funds arts-intensive summer work.
The trustees promoted the announcement by giving out scoops of “AmeriCone Dream” ice cream Monday on the Lawn, a Ben & Jerry’s flavor endorsed by Colbert.
Valediction, which takes place on Saturday, the day before Final Exercises, aims to reflect on students’ achievement during their time at the University. Sunday’s events focus on the future, whereas the valediction ceremony includes the presentation of the class gift, as well as the presentation of class awards.
Valediction is open to the public, and will take place May 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. “We’re expecting some pretty large numbers this year,” Vithani said.
The keynote speaker for Final Exercises is chosen through a separate process and has yet to be announced.
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