Conan, Welcome Back

Celebrities seem to be missing their college days recently. First it was Matt Damon, Class of 1992, accepting the "Cultural Artist of the Year" award from the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations. And you might be seeing that striking face from "Adventures in Babysitting" and "Leaving Las Vegas" in your Core classes because Elizabeth Shue '85-'00 has returned to finish her last college semester. Now, late-night talk show host Conan C. O'Brien '85 will also return to Harvard. His excuse? To speak at Class Day, the traditional day that celebrates the senior class. Although a somewhat untraditional choice with a checkered past stemming from his involvement in the Harvard Lampoon, a semi-secret Sorrento Square social organization that used to occasionally publish a so-called humor magazine, O'Brien's sarcastic humor will be a welcome addition to the Commencement festivities.

O'Brien will offer a fresh perspective to the usually serious Class Day keynote speech. Instead of the tried-and-true politician giving a tailored version of their usual stump speech, O'Brien can offer witty insights into the fact that--gasp--there is real life outside the wrought iron gates and red brick of Harvard. His own experience as a comedy writer in the competitive entertainment industry will perhaps encourage seniors hoping to be successful in Hollywood or any other cutthroat industry. As a fairly recent Harvard graduate, O'Brien has a unique position of being able to speak about an institution that he too experienced. Knowing the particular benefits and drawbacks of a Harvard education will enable him to make his speech more relevant and interesting for the graduating seniors.

His ability to put a funny spin on the trivialities of daily life will prove sure to be amusing. O'Brien's experience writing for The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live (back when it was actually funny) are good credentials to getting even a discriminating Harvard audience laughing. Considering the solemnity of the Commencement ceremony and the mixed feelings of seniors on leaving the College, his lighthearted speech will offer a welcome respite from the highly emotional week.

The senior class marshals should be congratulated for their well-thought out choice. By breaking away from the traditional type of speakers, they will offer an entertaining and insightful experience for graduating seniors and their families. Who better to capture the spirit of the senior class than a former Harvard undergraduate himself? O'Brien's speech will be a memorable way to commemorate the seniors' last few days as Harvard students, before they head out to face the real world.