Sometimes, I get disheartened being a student at ASU.
Most recently, I was discouraged to learn a Facebook group had been created to encourage the University to select Charlie Sheen as the 2011 graduation commencement speaker. Not only was the group created, but 3,648 students have also liked it to date.
However, I was recently reminded that things could be worse. For example, I could be a Rutgers University student.
Rutgers University was recently graced by the presence of Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi.
No, let me rephrase that. They weren’t just graced by her presence. They wanted it. In fact, they wanted it so much they paid $32,000 for her to give two campus talks.
I’m all for guest lectures. They provide students an opportunity to engage in interesting talks by prominent educators and continue learning outside the classroom.
However, Snooki, the foul-mouthed, alcoholic harlot from MTV’s hit reality show “Jersey Shore” is not an educator. In fact, there isn’t much Snooki could teach anyone besides the dangers of binge drinking, the atrocities of hook-ups and the cost of cursing.
Unfortunately, Snooki’s talk at Rutgers University did not condemn such foul acts. Instead, Snooki encouraged students to tan and drink. What a surprise.
According to the New York Post, Snooki told students, “When you’re tan, you feel better about yourself,” and, “Study hard, but party harder.”
Not only was Snooki a poor choice of a speaker, but also her speaking fee was astronomic.
Rutgers University students could have benefited from new equipment or facilities, more financial aid or more renowned faculty. Instead, they wasted $32,000 on two short Q&A sessions.
Furthermore, Snooki was paid nearly $2,000 more than Toni Morrison, the award-winning author of novels like “Song of Solomon” and “Beloved” who was chosen by Rutgers to give the university’s commencement address, the New York Post reported.
The association that organized the event claimed they were looking for someone who would appeal to the student community.
However, there are several other famous celebrities who would be very appealing to a younger community.
Kristen Bell, unlike Snooki, can actually form articulate sentences. She is also an ardent supporter of the ASPCA and Invisible Children, Inc., which raises awareness about the civil war in Northern Uganda. She would give a great presentation about the benefits of volunteering and would also attract students because of her roles in movies like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “You Again.”
Hayden Panettiere, known for her role in the hit TV show “Heroes,” doesn’t spend her spare time downing beers. As a teen ambassador for the Candie’s Foundation, she has fought to lower teen pregnancy. She too would give a compelling presentation that would appeal to students.
The university’s website reads, “Rutgers has good reason to be proud — a long and illustrious history, a vibrant academic environment, exciting research programs and a tradition of service to New Jersey and the nation.”
Today, Rutger’s has no reason to be proud. Their poor decision to invite Snooki to give a presentation to students is evidence of that.
Reach Emilie at eeeaton@asu.edu
