Top College News Subscribe to the Newsletter

Former Rep. Mike Castle chosen as commencement speaker

Published: Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Updated: Tuesday, April 5, 2011 16:04

Mike Castle

Mike Castle

Mike Castle, whose 18-year career in the U.S. House of Representatives was cut short last fall by Christine O'Donnell's surprise primary victory, will speak at this year's Spring Commencement, The Review has learned.

In addition to his nine terms in the U.S. House as Delaware's lone representative, Castle served as Delaware governor from 1984 to 1992 and spent several years in the state legislature. He became known as a moderate and often crossed the political aisle to work with Democrats, especially his fellow Delaware congressmen.

Castle's bid for a Senate seat was unexpectedly ended in September, when Tea Party-backed O'Donnell defeated him the Republican primary. O'Donnell's candidacy brought national attention to the state until she lost in the general election to Democrat Chris Coons.

Castle left public office Jan. 3 when his House term expired. He later donated his congressional papers to the university's Morris Library in a ceremony on campus earlier this semester.

Castle will address graduating seniors at the university's 162nd Spring Commencement, set for 9 a.m. May 28 at Delaware Stadium. The choice of Castle as commencement speaker, which will be formally announced Wednesday on the university's website, is a tribute to his long, respected service to his country, officials said.

"In Washington, D.C., he played an important role in federal legislation affecting a variety of areas, including education, nutrition, welfare and campaign finance reform," Pete Hayward, vice president and university secretary, said in a statement. "His commitment to service, his personal integrity and his love of Delaware make him an excellent choice to address the University's newest graduates as they move into the next stage of their lives."

Castle earned his bachelor's degree from Hamilton College in New York and his law degree from Georgetown University. However, his wife, Jane, is a University of Delaware alumna.

The commencement is open to the public and will be held rain or shine. Guests and degree candidates are asked to arrive no later than 8 a.m.

Seniors: What do you think of this year's choice for commencement speaker? Email editor@udreview.com if you would like to talk to a reporter for possible inclusion in a later article.

Recommended: Articles that may interest you

12 comments

Anonymous
Thu Apr 7 2011 00:31
Is it a step up from Catherine Bertini. At least she was a new face to the UD community and had a real message to share. I would say he is a step down or even giant step down. I think UD feel flat on their face this time and now doctor can fix this scare and wound.

What is Caste's message ... "well I lost to Witch Craft so now I am just that old guy who chills in Delaware because I got no place else to go"

...this had to be Plan B or possibly even Plan C or maybe even Plan D ...as most comments have said above ... really Harker this is best we can do. This is our commencement it is time that is suppose to celebrate all of our success and the speaker is suppose to be inspiring. I have heard Castle talk before and he not that inspiring... he simply an old washed up politician and that is all he will ever be to the UD students of today.

Can we get a recount on the speaker? Or pick a new one? ...recall? ...something to change it...please!

Anonymous
Wed Apr 6 2011 23:04
Mike Castle LOOSER. a real low
Luther
Wed Apr 6 2011 18:21
Was Christine O'Donnell not available?
Anonymous
Wed Apr 6 2011 11:51
I hope the College Republicans stop complaining about UD being "too liberal" and too "pro-Biden" after this selection. Between Castle's selection and Chris Christie's selection as Winter Commencement speaker, I think UD has shown balance with who comes to speak at UD.
Anonymous
Wed Apr 6 2011 11:45
It's a step up from Catherine Bertini, but still not as good of a selection as Tom Friedman was two years ago.

Castle has been great public servant for Delaware, but that is the problem. He is somebody who is not a fresh face for the university. He has been around a lot (which we are lucky for that). Few want to admit this but a commencement speaker should bring attention to the University. Rutgers recently selected Nobel winner Toni Morrison, which has brought a lot of attention to the Rutgers commencement (not all of which has been good). Castle's visit to UD is something that is not out of the ordinary for our school

The Board of Trustees makes a recommendation early in the year for a commencement speaker. I doubt Castle was their first choice while he was in the middle of a heated primary battle with Christine O'Donnell or was the top choice after he was defeated by her. I have little doubt UD was unable to get who they wanted to speak and has settled on Castle.

Anonymous
Tue Apr 5 2011 20:56
I see a commencement speaker as someone prominent and unique, that students look forward to listening too. Mike Castle has spoken at UD before for various reasons, and recently did a radio interview with WVUD. I just see it as kind of a cop-out on the University.
Anonymous
Tue Apr 5 2011 19:15
ugh
R
Tue Apr 5 2011 19:08
Why is this upsetting to so many?

Why do students insist on a name and not what the person has done? Last year, people were furious with Ms. Bertini when she has accomplished much good; it made our students look disrespectful.

I am no fan of Rep. Castle, but he has had a long career in public light and has served the State and UD in so many ways.

But Cal Ripken Jr. (who gave a horrible speech when I graduated in May 2008) was "great"? Is tony Siragusa available? Maybe some other popular athlete that cannot speak worth a damn...

Anonymous
Tue Apr 5 2011 17:48
that's upsetting...
Anonymous
Tue Apr 5 2011 17:41
What is the source???????? Until I see it on UDaily I wont believe it
Anonymous
Tue Apr 5 2011 17:36
I think we all had low expectations, but this is just beyond me that UD thinks this is appropriate. We're supposed to be a "public ivy" but the best commencement speaker we can find is a FORMER DE Governor/Rep? That's pretty embarrassing.
Anonymous
Tue Apr 5 2011 16:43
Wow, disappointing. To be expected at this point, I guess.




log out