Photo courtesy of External Affairs
Ken Starr
With three and a half months until commencement, the senior class, along with the help of President Larry Arnn and Director of External Affairs Douglas Jeffrey, has selected Kenneth Starr to speak during their graduation ceremony.
Perhaps most well known for serving as counselor to U.S. Attorney General William French Smith and as independent counsel in the Whitewater Case and in his case for impeachment against former President Bill Clinton, Starr was selected from a list of possible speakers that the senior class gave as suggestions.
“There was an open forum at the beginning of the first semester so the senior class could present ideas that the class officers could take to the administration,” Senior Class President Dave Danic said.
“Ken Starr was brought up as well as a handful of other political figures, celebrities and academics.”
Due to extenuating circumstances with last year's senior class choice of speakers, the commencement speaker for the class of 2004 was not selected until a few weeks before graduation.
“We wanted to get someone early enough so we could let everyone, particularly the seniors, know ahead of time,” senior Bev Davis said.
“We didn't want to limit ourselves to those who were just conservatives, but we wanted someone who shared the values of Hillsdale.”
The senior class officers considered last year's list of speakers and discussed each suggestion that was made by the senior class. Before compiling a more comprehensive list, the officers also considered each candidate's biography in order to find a speaker who would work well within Hillsdale's audience.
“Ultimately, the senior class would like a speaker who will deliver a thoughtful message,” Danic said.
“I think a well-known figure will help bring more attention to commencement and hopefully get parents, students and friends excited to attend the ceremony. I think Ken Starr can bring that excitement as well as deliver a great speech.”
Starr holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Washington University, a Master of Arts degree from Brown University and a Juris Doctor from Duke University.
Starr now serves as dean and professor of law at the Pepperdine University School of Law. He has practiced law privately at Kirkland & Ellis and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
He is also a member of professional organizations and boards, such as the American Law Institute, the Supreme Court Historical Society and the American Inns of Court.
Starr has also written several books, his most recent being First Among Equals: The Supreme Court in American Life, published in 2002.