The selection of Daniel Moynihan in 1975 caused a of extremely large proportions uproar for weeks before Commencement that year, with many demanding the invitation be rescinded. It wasn't, of course, hence the walkout.
Stanford followed up in 1976 with the much safer, quieter choice of HUD Secretary Carla Hills (Stanford '55), who was, I believe, the first woman to give the Commencement address at Stanford. (She was also the first woman to serve as Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, appointed by President Gerald Ford). I have no idea what she spoke about; all I remember was hoping she would keep her speech short because we were baking in those black robes on a bright, sunny June day in Frost Amphitheater.
And Garvin, in case you're still wondering, Moynihan's speech to your class was entitled Can the System Work?.
http://www.akbars.net/a-history-of-stanf...kers-1892/
Stanford followed up in 1976 with the much safer, quieter choice of HUD Secretary Carla Hills (Stanford '55), who was, I believe, the first woman to give the Commencement address at Stanford. (She was also the first woman to serve as Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, appointed by President Gerald Ford). I have no idea what she spoke about; all I remember was hoping she would keep her speech short because we were baking in those black robes on a bright, sunny June day in Frost Amphitheater.
And Garvin, in case you're still wondering, Moynihan's speech to your class was entitled Can the System Work?.
http://www.akbars.net/a-history-of-stanf...kers-1892/
"To the press alone, checkered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for all the triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression." ~ James Madison