Claremont, Calif. (March 30, 2010) — Pitzer College will host its 46th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 15 at 10 am on the newly constructed Commencement Pavilion.
The Honorable Cory A. Booker, mayor of Newark, New Jersey was selected by the class of 2010 to serve as the keynote speaker at this year’s event.
Booker’s mission for Newark is to set a national standard for urban transformation by marshalling its resources to achieve security, economic abundance and a nurturing and empowering environment for individuals and families.
Mayor Booker served as staff attorney for the Urban Justice Center in Newark and rose to prominence as Newark’s Central Ward Councilman. During his term, Booker earned a reputation as a leader with innovative ideas and bold actions from increasing security in public housing to building new playgrounds.
He is a member of numerous boards and advisory committees including Democrats for Education Reform, Columbia University Teachers’ College Board of Trustees and the Black Alliance for Educational Options.
Booker received his BA in political science and MA in sociology from Stanford University, a BA in modern history at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and a law degree from Yale University.
Since Pitzer College’s founding, graduating seniors have the unique opportunity to select the keynote speaker for their commencement ceremony. Previous speakers include David Feldman, Samantha Power, Eric Schlosser and Naomi Wolf.