The search for convocation speakers has drawn to a close for some colleges at Syracuse University.

The School of Information Studies, the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications have announced their spring convocation speakers in recent weeks.

Bence Oliver, director of strategic sourcing at eBay Inc., will speak to iSchool students; film director Bryan Buckley will speak to VPA students; and ESPN broadcaster Mike Tirico will give the keynote speech to Newhouse students. The speakers are alumni of each of the respective schools.

Even though convocations won’t take place until May 11, the process of selecting a speaker begins long before that. Each college goes through a slightly different procedure to choose a keynote speaker. But in the end, they all look for similar qualities in convocation speakers, such as significant influence in their field and an ability to relate to students, representatives of each school said.

All of the colleges incorporate student input in some capacity, whether through a student advisory panel, group of class leaders that makes suggestions or a format in which students are able to make individual recommendations.

“We always consider how a speaker will be received by students. We look for someone who has made an impact on society or business through their work in information or IT,” said Barbara Settel, director of alumni relations at the iSchool. “It’s always a plus to have an SU or iSchool alum, but it’s not a requirement.”

iSchool officials begin looking for a convocation speaker before December and try to have the speaker finalized by February, Settel said.

VPA Director of Communications Erica Blust said the process of selecting a speaker for VPA’s convocation usually begins in October. Blust said VPA Dean Ann Clarke makes the final selection, but not before considering input from others.

“Dean Clarke considers speaker suggestions from VPA students, faculty and staff,” Blust said. “The dean often selects VPA alumni to speak because they can easily relate to the students, and so many of them have compelling personal and professional stories to share.”

Kristin Phillips, a senior history of art major, will attend when Buckley speaks to VPA graduates in May. She said she thinks the speech will appeal to all students, regardless of their major.

“He’s a good role model in terms of being a creative type who makes meaningful things, and he is also recognized by his peers in the industry,” Phillips said. “Even though I don’t come from a film background, I think we BFA candidates can find something to look up to in Buckley’s career and accomplishments.”

Newhouse faculty members choose a convocation speaker in a similar manner, welcoming student and faculty recommendations. Dean Lorraine Branham makes the final decision, said Wendy Loughlin, director of communications and media relations for Newhouse.

Branham makes an effort to choose speakers who are representative of all majors, and prefers to invite alumni speakers, Loughlin said.

Loughlin said the process of choosing a speaker for the Newhouse convocation does not have a set timeline.

Bill Spaulding, a senior broadcast and digital journalism major who will be at the Newhouse convocation in May, said he is looking forward to hearing what Tirico has to say.

“I think Mike Tirico is a great choice as the Newhouse convocation speaker this year,” Spaulding said. “He is one of the most recognizable Newhouse alums and someone who loves the school. I’m sure his speech will be fantastic.”

Published on February 24, 2013 at 10:24 pm

Contact Brett: blsamuel@syr.edu | @Brett_Samuels27