To many seniors, commencement is a very important ceremony that will provide an experience they won't soon forget. Many seniors expressed that they want a commencement speaker who will provide memorable quotes and sound advice as they prepare for their entry into the real world.\nWhen Michael Uslan, former IU student and famed Hollywood producer of movies including the Batman series, was named as the speaker for this year's graduation, reactions on campus were mixed. Most seniors were unsure how to feel about the former law school graduate.\nSenior Abby Kerr said she was unfamiliar with Uslan, but didn't expect any real surprises in his message. \n"I do not know much about Michael Uslan," Kerr said. "I think he was a fine choice and would imagine that it would be difficult for any commencement speaker because coming up with a speech that is clever and unique to the ones in the past would be a challenge since graduation speeches pretty much always have the same theme."\nThere is little doubt amongst the administration that Uslan is qualified. In an April 17 press release announcing his appointment as the keynote speaker, IU President Adam Herbert gave Uslan resounding praise.\n"Former IU President Herman B Wells once said that our 'alumni's achievements represent the fruits of the University's efforts in teaching and learning,'" Herbert said in the press release. "Michael Uslan has earned three degrees from IU and proves the truth of this statement."\nUslan, the producer of several noted films, attended IU in the 1970s, earning a bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctorate from the University. He also developed the nation's first accredited college course on comic books and was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. \nMany students expressed that Uslan is a qualified IU alumnus whose achievements in and after college make him an able candidate to speak at commencement. But with so many student opinions about who should have been selected as the commencement speaker, some felt less optimistic about his selection as the keynote speaker. \nSenior Maya Frederick said she would have preferred someone more like comedian and TV personality Jon Stewart, but thought Uslan "could be really interesting."\nOthers still said they were looking forward to hearing what the accomplished producer has to say. \nSenior Adam Brand said he was happy to hear that Uslan had been tapped to speak on the May 6 ceremony.\n"I think that is very cool," Brand said. "Maybe, I will get to talk to him, and he will cast me as a Gotham City criminal in the next movie."\nUslan said in an April interview that he hoped to bring a message of inspiration and encouragement to the graduates. He said he wanted to show them where hard work and determination could get them in the world.\nSenior Shana Frankel said she was thrilled when she found out Uslan had been chosen.\n"I think that is an awesome choice," Frankel said. "I am excited to hear what he has to say."
Senior Abby Kerr said she was unfamiliar with Uslan, but didn't expect any real surprises in his message. \n"I do not know much about Michael Uslan," Kerr said. "I think he was a fine choice and would imagine that it would be difficult for any commencement speaker because coming up with a speech that is clever and unique to the ones in the past would be a challenge since graduation speeches pretty much always have the same theme."\nThere is little doubt amongst the administration that Uslan is qualified. In an April 17 press release announcing his appointment as the keynote speaker, IU President Adam Herbert gave Uslan resounding praise.\n"Former IU President Herman B Wells once said that our 'alumni's achievements represent the fruits of the University's efforts in teaching and learning,'" Herbert said in the press release. "Michael Uslan has earned three degrees from IU and proves the truth of this statement."\nUslan, the producer of several noted films, attended IU in the 1970s, earning a bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctorate from the University. He also developed the nation's first accredited college course on comic books and was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. \nMany students expressed that Uslan is a qualified IU alumnus whose achievements in and after college make him an able candidate to speak at commencement. But with so many student opinions about who should have been selected as the commencement speaker, some felt less optimistic about his selection as the keynote speaker. \nSenior Maya Frederick said she would have preferred someone more like comedian and TV personality Jon Stewart, but thought Uslan "could be really interesting."\nOthers still said they were looking forward to hearing what the accomplished producer has to say. \nSenior Adam Brand said he was happy to hear that Uslan had been tapped to speak on the May 6 ceremony.\n"I think that is very cool," Brand said. "Maybe, I will get to talk to him, and he will cast me as a Gotham City criminal in the next movie."\nUslan said in an April interview that he hoped to bring a message of inspiration and encouragement to the graduates. He said he wanted to show them where hard work and determination could get them in the world.\nSenior Shana Frankel said she was thrilled when she found out Uslan had been chosen.\n"I think that is an awesome choice," Frankel said. "I am excited to hear what he has to say"
