So, the decision has been made: at commencement this year we will be graced with the words of Christopher Reeve. I was surprised to read the list of potential commencement speakers also included Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Jimmy Carter and Tom Brokaw.

Why choose Christopher Reeve? Was it because of his incredible performance as Superman? Was it because of his piercing blue eyes? What about his achievements as a humanitarian … but wait – he isn’t one. How can we choose a two-bit character actor over an ex-president?

Jimmy Carter’s actions have had enormous global impact. His humanitarian efforts continue to grow even in during what should be considered his retirement years. Carter is considered by many in the United States to be the most active ex-president this nation has ever seen. Any ex-president could only ever hope to achieve what Jimmy Carter has been able to do in his years after leaving office.

I feel this list of potential speakers is ridiculous for a school that seems to be creeping little by little up the ladder of recognition. To have a list composed of four entertainers and one Nobel Peace Prize winner of great character and leadership skills is beyond my comprehension. When did showing your face on television and the ability to generate ratings become more valued than being a real hero?

OK, I understand that Christopher Reeve has been actively devoted to organizations working to find cures for spinal injuries. But it is easy to see these actions are stemming from personal self-interest. Using his own money and famous name to advance the medical knowledge of his own impairment, Reeve himself stands to benefit most from his activism.

No matter how much others have and will benefit from his work, Reeve will always be among the first to be treated for his disability. This should not qualify Reeve as a valued and honored commencement speaker.

After attending Ohio State for four years and never paying any attention to commencement speakers in the past, I now understand the importance of having a commencement speaker – the person who will give us, the graduating seniors and leaders of tomorrow, our final words of wisdom and advice for the future, as well as wish us all luck as we begin our lives in the “real world.”

I don’t think I’m alone when I believe that I would much rather hear the words of a Nobel Peace Prize winner than a washed-up actor.

Javier Leocadio Colongraduating senior in international studies