Los Angeles’ two biggest universities have announced their main graduation speakers, with USC opting for tradition by choosing its retiring president and UCLA taking a riskier, but potentially more amusing, bet on a witty chronicler of Mexican American life.
The keynote speaker at UCLA’s College of Letters and Science commencement on June 11 will be Gustavo Arellano, author of the popular and often hilarious "¡Ask a Mexican!" column in the OC Weekly and the book of the same name, officials announced Thursday. Arellano earned a masters degree in Latin American studies at UCLA in 2003.
"Gustavo Arellano is a keen observer of life in America — in particular the culture and diversity of Southern California," Judith L. Smith, dean and vice provost for undergraduate education in the UCLA College of Letters and Science, said in a statement about the choice.
Across town, USC recently announced that its president Steven B. Sample, who is to retire after 19 years in the job, will be the main speaker at its May 14 commencement ceremony. His selection set off some grumbling among students who said they wanted to honor Sample but had also hoped for a prominent off-campus figure as their speaker.
— Larry Gordon
Photos: Gustavo Arellano, left, and Steven B. Sample. Credit: Los Angeles Times