How will you spend your Thanksgiving break?
WSN reported last week that Alec Baldwin would speak at the class of 2010's commencement on May 12. Some believe that although he is a very successful actor, his qualifications to address the graduating class end there.
Baldwin has won many awards, including several Emmys for his work on "30 Rock," and he co-hosted this year's Academy Awards with Steve Martin. However, his reputation as an actor is not exactly illustrious. It is also unfortunate that many of his more smarmy roles have mirrored his private life. In 2007 the press obtained access to a hostile message he left on his daughter's voicemail. Given the scores of famous and successful alumni, including a large number from Tisch, it's certainly possible that NYU could have found a more upstanding speaker.
But Baldwin also knows NYU. His $1 million donation to Tisch last year proves his commitment to his alma mater and shows that he sees a reason to stay connected with us. He has proven loyal to the school, and now he will have a chance to tell us why.
The university has said Baldwin was chosen in recognition of his talent as an actor. That's a given, but we also hope he will have something truthful and inspirational to share with the audience at Yankee Stadium on graduation day.
Yes, Baldwin has done things in his personal life that give us pause, but perhaps he will talk to the graduating class more earnestly than Hillary Clinton could. He's been in our shoes and knows this school. He also knows what it takes to turn an education at NYU into a huge success.
Hopefully, he'll be authentic as well as entertaining.
And let's be honest, if Jack Donaghy is in the room, "The crab is getting aroused. Shut it down. Shut it down."
