There has been an expansive range of quality speakers this year at Syracuse University.

Former Vice President Al Gore’s address at the Landmark Theatre was the high-water mark.

The College Republican’s decision that Ann Coulter was a good representative of modern youth conservatism was at the other end of the spectrum.

As the 2006 speaking circuit winds down for the holidays, I think it’s appropriate to set some goals for the year to come. I’ve picked five successful and admirable individuals who are capable of stimulating the minds on this campus and will hopefully be brought to the Hill in 2007.

Colin Powell

The former secretary of state and coveted general would be an ideal candidate to send off the graduating class of ’07. He appeals to a range of groups on campus from the African-American community to Army ROTC, but his influence is clearly widespread. As the first black secretary of state, he has insight on the buildup to the Iraq War and can share an unparalleled perspective on the current presidential administration.

He is a remarkable speaker, said Adam Scharfberg, University Union co-director of speakers. Scharfberg also noted that ‘since I’ve been here they (the administration) have really been pushing diversity.’

Jon Stewart

Beyond his hysterical, witty humor, Stewart is also one of the most influential people in campus life today. Many students obtain their news from his mock-news program ‘The Daily Show.’ Any man with the ability to make apathetic college students care about the news is an ideal choice.

The only problem is, due to his hectic schedule, Stewart is currently seeking $250,000 for a speaking appearance, according to Scharfberg. And because of the per-semester funding system for UU, the comedian would be difficult to secure.

Former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

One of the most influential women of the twentieth century, the former Supreme Court justice has some time on her hands following her recent retirement. She fought sexism throughout her career and rose to the nation’s highest court, where she was the deciding vote in many important court decisions over the past 25 years.

Thomas L. Freidman

The New York Times columnist always offers an individual view on the hefty topics he tackles. Beyond his obvious appeal to the Newhouse sect, his theory for turning college campuses green would thrill the Environmental Science and Forestry student body. This man is incomparably intelligent and epitomizes unpartisan, opinionated writing.

Jack Welch

The former CEO of General Electric is the model for the majority of the Whitman school. He increased the value of his company by $400 billion in two decades at the helm. A speech about his uncanny approach to business would be a real opportunity for anyone who likes money. And he is very much on the speaking circuit.

UU receives its budget for spring 2007 today and hopefully it will be enough to get one of these Americans to come to our campus. Landing a big name could become a reality if UU received yearly funding from the Student Association.

‘Our hands are tied because we have no money to do it,’ UU President Clarence Cross III said. ‘Students are truly losing out.’

Despite this obstacle, Scharfberg assured me he would still aggressively try to grab the most diverse and influential speakers possible. Hopefully he can manage to find a bargain and bring in someone of mass appeal and importance like former Vice President Al Gore.

Oh wait, he was already here.

Matt Reilly is a featured columnist whose columns appear Mondays in The Daily Orange. E-mail him at msreilly@syr.edu.

Published on December 2, 2006 at 12:00 pm