As a Notre Dame alumnus from 2004, I was quite excited to learn on Friday that President Obama will deliver the Commencement address at this year's graduation ceremony. I hope that this will be a moment when Notre Dame will fulfill its twin mission of being both a Catholic university and an elite institution of higher learning. I know that this decision will be met by some with a certain level of disappointment or anger because some of Mr. Obama's positions run contrary to Church teachings. However, I would argue that for Notre Dame to truly be both Catholic and a university, Mr. Obama's opinions must not be shunned but, rather, welcomed. The Catholic leaders of tomorrow must engage others in thoughtful debates. That means that understanding the thoughts and beliefs outside of the Church and hearing Mr. Obama speak is one way to do so, as his opinions are held by a significant portion of the American populace. In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the class of 2009 (if only a bit early), welcome Mr. Obama to campus and encourage the lively debate that is worthy of such an esteemed institution as Notre Dame.
Jacob Baska
alum
class of 2004
March 22
