By Samantha Pergadia, Special Writer
Gen. David Petraeus, commander of the U.S. Central Command, will deliver the baccalaureate address to Princeton University seniors, at 2 p.m. May 31 in the University Chapel.
The general’s selection follows that of CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric, who was announced earlier this year as the 2009 speaker for Class Day, a June 1 commencement event.
”I felt very honored to be invited to speak at the baccalaureate, and I look forward to the occasion very much,” Gen. Petraeus said.
Gen. Petraeus oversaw all coalition forces in Iraq. After serving as U.S. commander in Iraq for 19 months, he became leader of the U.S. Central Command, which oversees American troops in the Middle East, East Africa and Central Asia.
”I’m grateful for the opportunity to offer reflections of a Princeton grad who has been privileged to serve with many wonderful Americans in recent years,” he said.
The baccalaureate speaker is selected by Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman after consultation and recommendations from the senior class.
Grant Bermann, president of the senior class who recommended Gen. Petraeus to Ms. Tilghman, said he was very pleased when Gen. Petraeus accepted the offer to speak.
”My fellow class officers and I suggested him as a potential speaker to President Tilghman because we think his military service to his country, his accomplishments in Iraq, and his strong leadership make him a great candidate to give the baccalaureate address,” Mr. Bermann said.
President Tilghman told the Daily Princetonian that Gen. Petraeus “represents the very finest in military service in the U.S.” She said she was surprised with his prompt response to the invitation last week.
A Princeton graduate student in the Woodrow Wilson School, Gen. Petraeus said he is “grateful” for his time at Princeton and has sought to “contribute to the university in the years since graduation.” He earned a master’s and Ph.D. in international relations in 1985 and 1987, respectively.
Gen. Petraeus said he has sought to personally embody Princeton’s motto, “In the nation’s service and in the service of all nations.”
The baccalaureate address is an interfaith worship service for the senior class that includes readings from various religious texts. It is one of Princeton’s oldest traditions, dating back to 1760. Recent speakers have included medical philanthropist Paul Farmer, professor John Fleming, and Grammy award-winning humorist David Sedaris.
The student reaction to Gen. Petraeus has been overwhelmingly positive.
”The general is a true American hero, and I consider him a personal hero and role-model,” Princeton senior Andrew Malcolm said. “He epitomizes Princeton in the nation’s service and in the service of all nations.” Mr. Malcolm is also in the Woodrow Wilson School.
”I couldn’t think of a person who is more of an ideal baccalaureate speaker,” Princeton senior Josh Oppenheim said. “He has shown courage, intelligence, conviction in the face of both military and political adversity, and a true ethic of service to one’s country.”
While some students strongly disapproved of the Iraq war, they still respect Gen. Petraeus’ service.
”I opposed the Iraq war since the first minute (former Vice President) Cheney started pushing it on us in 2002, but I understand Gen. Petraeus to be the one who brought reasoned strategy and ingenuity back to our military efforts in Iraq,” Princeton senior Will Wallace said. “I’m really looking forward to hearing what he has to say.”
Gen. Petraeus has been given many awards for his military service, including the Defense Department Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Gold Award of the Iraqi Order of the Date Palm. He was recognized in 2005 by U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s 25 best leaders and in 2007 by Time magazine as one of the100 most influential leaders of the year.

