O'Bannon to address graduates

Judy O'Bannon, Indiana's former first lady, will be the 2004 commencement speaker at IU's two graduation ceremonies May 8 at Assembly Hall.\nJudy O'Bannon graduated from IU with a degree in social work, and at the ceremony she will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Judy O'Bannon met her husband, former Indiana governor, Frank O'Bannon, at IU.\nKen Beckley, chair of IU Bloomington's commencement speaker committee, said the committee chose Judy O'Bannon because "we feel that she's a wonderful role model" and "she's an alumna of our University who has a wonderful personality."\nBeckley said the committee looked at various aspects when selecting a commencement speaker.\n"We looked for persons who have achieved some level of success in profession or society," he said. "We looked for persons whose names are normally instantly recognizable," although, he said, that is not the main criterion. \nBeckley said the committee, comprised of students, faculty and staff, also looks for someone who can deliver a message of "inspiration, motivation and challenge." \nJane Jankowski, public communications director at IU, said the committee meets during the year to accept suggestions for people who would like to be considered speakers. The committee then explores the names by considering the candidates' "impact on national welfare, contributions to state of Indiana, how they may have distinguished themselves and public service they have provided."\n"(The committee) considers how a person brings a message that is meaningful to graduates, friends and family," she said. \nWhile Beckley expressed his delight at Judy O'Bannon's speech, senior Matt Haas was unsure of the decision.\n"It would be interesting to hear how she's handled (Frank O'Bannon's death) since then, but I'm not sure how Judy O'Bannon fits into the graduation theme," he said.\nBeckley said the committee will meet again during the month to recommend a speaker for next year's graduation. \n"Some candidates have strong national reputations and can book up quickly," he said. "To have an opportunity to get on their calendars, we need to act quickly."\n-- Contact staff writer Laura Kruty at lkruty@indiana.edu.