The university is seeking nominations for commencement speaker candidates and many seniors do not believe the speaker will be better than Saints quarterback Drew Brees.

The university’s Honorary Degrees Committee reviews nominations for both commencement and honorary degrees.

They send their commencement speaker candidates to the university president who ultimately decides who will be the speaker.

Seniors have ideas of who they would like to hear at graduation.

“I’d like to see an author speak,” said Zack Turmelle, music industry senior.

“I saw Dave Eggers speak at Tulane and thought he had a lot of insight.”

Political science senior, Farah Benslimane said, “I would rather see someone influential, someone that influences my academic career. I’m thinking Slavjov Zizek.”

Ben Gieseler, philosophy senior, agrees with Benslimane. Other students would also like to see someone influential, but geared more towards their academic niche.

Daniel Castro, music performance senior, would like to hear a musician speak, preferably Johnny Vidacovich, a New Orleanian jazz drummer.

“(Vidacovich) is good at what he does. He has suffered Katrina and got back in the game,” Castro said. “He’s taught a lot of great musicians, like Brian Blade.”

Blade is another jazz drummer who is also a Loyola New Orleans alumnus. Castro said Blade would be another good choice as commencement speaker.

Some seniors want to hear someone whose influence can affect all students.

Music industry senior, Spencer Pinckney said, “Steve Jobs is a very influential man. I’m sure he would have plenty of useful advise to enter the workforce.”

Precious Esie can be reached at [email protected]