Washington University announced that Michael Bloomberg will be the commencement speaker for the 2019 graduation ceremony April 4. Bloomberg is the former mayor of New York, an entrepreneur and the eighth-richest person in the world.

Bloomberg holds the most name recognition that a Washington University commencement speaker has had in recent years. Furthermore, the Editorial Board believes there is more value in a choice like Bloomberg than just name recognition.

When considering the value of a commencement speaker, it is important to consider what exact role a commencement speaker is meant to be playing in the ceremony itself. A commencement speaker is meant to give a perspective to students as they enter the world outside of Wash. U.

To consider the perspective he will bring, Bloomberg is a speaker that represents the political realm far more than the academic, with a history in politics that has made pit stops in the Democratic and Republican parties with some time as an independent as well. Although currently identifying as a Democrat, his views remain decidedly centrist, making him a safe choice for an administration that has been recently distressed about what political climate is being fostered at the University. Despite the middle ground that Bloomberg represents, it is the hope of the Editorial Board that Bloomberg will call for change within the University and the greater world as he addresses the future, his target topic and the importance of combating climate change.

With such large name recognition comes high expectations for the content and drive of Bloomberg’s speech. Despite the safety in the choice of Bloomberg himself, we hope the 2019 commencement speaker will deliver strong position and a call for action to the University and individuals alike.