University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

Page 28 text:

LADY INSPIRES CHALLENGED n the morning of May 1 , Hillary Rodham Clinton, wife of President Bill Clinton, stepped off her private jet at Willow Run Airport only to be whisked away by the motor- cade bound for the streets of Ann Arbor. Her destination: Michigan Stadium, where 500 students decked out in their graduation garb anticipated the commencement speech that was to play a major part in their rites of passage to adulthood. The first lady was ardently welcomed by a crowd of 5 1 ,000, and the stadium echoed with applause the moment she stepped onto the podium. The cheers and shouts of Go Hill amplified when Clinton was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Her speech, which incorporated such topics as idealism, campaign pledges, and inspirational messages to the gradu- ates, was not just another political forum, as some expected. I thought that she was only going to talk about her health care plan, but I liked that she really knew who she was talking to, said Communications major Rob Gill. Clinton displayed this knowledge by addressing concerns pertinent to the U-M graduates. By calling U-M the Harvard of the Midwest, and praising basketball star Chris Webber for standing up to criticism after the team ' s loss in the NCAA finals, she demonstrated that she was not solely interested in political issues. When she did comment on politics, she asked the students to take a collective breath, and face the same issues that she and her husband were confronting, such as the national service program and her health care plan. Focusing on idealism, she urged students to dismiss the Me Decade, otherwise known as the ' 80s. Rather, she advocated that for the ' 90s everyone should take responsibility and become active members of the community. I want to be idealistic, she said. I want to care about the world. I want to be connected to other people, and I hope you do as well. Not everyone was receptive to Clinton ' s opinions. One group of protestors turned their backs to her as she began speaking. Also, planes overhead carried banners reading, Equal Rights for Unborn First Ladies and College for the Unborn Too, Impeach Hillary. Clinton chose to ignore subtle forms of protest. I don ' t necessarily support the Bill and Hillary administration, Computer Science major Joe Fix said concerning the protests, but she did a good job of continuing as a dynamic and interesting speaker. Getting Clinton to deliver the keynote address was not as complicated as it may seem. President Duderstadt sent her an invitation in January to accept the honorary degree and to speak at commencement. One of the Regents, Rebecca McGowan was a close acquaintance of Clinton ' s for many years and was instrumental in making sure the first lady was aware of the invitation. Two weeks prior to the ceremony, her acceptance was confirmed by the White House and University officials. Director of Public Affairs Lisa Baker stated that her visit was made possible by collaborative effort on the part of many University offices. I thought that the event went well, she said, but that was largely due to an enormous amount of planning on the part of the University. Overall the graduation ceremony went smoothly. De- partment of Public Safety Lt. James Smiley said, The day went without a problem. Clinton was well received by the University community, faculty, and students. The positive response was due to her image in the world today. She is a role model for all women today, said Physics major Eliza Fitzgerald. Clinton left U-M the same day, but what she left behind was the wisdom of a powerful first lady: Embrace your challenges and don ' t lose heart when the buzzer sounds. There will always be ways for you to demonstrate your excellence if you don ' t give up. by Ijiken Wlombhmco 26 ichigan ife 1

Page 27 text:

. v. ' i . ?- JUL -n , y Qrcg Eninuinuel

Page 29 text:

Reaching the hearts or the approximately 51,000 people at U of M stadium, Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke to the 1993 graduates about idealism and inspiration. - Ann Arbor News Photo Reprint Cheering on the maize and blue, Hillary Clinton mingles with the graduates after the ceremony. - Ann Arbor Neuis Photo Reprint ichigan ife 27