Midd brief Jake Lieberman '09 elected Student Commencement Speaker

Author: Anna Briggs

A selection committee compromised of select seniors has chosen Jake Liberman '09 to be the student speaker for this year's Commencement. Liberman will be joining Gary Hirschberg, CEO of Stonyfield Farms in sending a final message to the class of 2009.

"When I thought about what I wanted to say to Midd and my class, I realized there were two ideas I couldn't neglect," said Liberman. "The first is that Midd is a unique place, and because of its uniqueness, our development as young adults has benefited. The second is that Middlebury's unique environment, coupled with our gifted student body, has generated opportunities that we have taken advantage of and made our own."

But beyond just expressing what he and his classmates have gained from their time at Middlebury, Liberman hopes to make a more personal message with his speech.

"I feel lucky to have been part of this over the past four years, and I know that with graduation, the mutual relationship between students and the College is not over.

The relationships built here and the tools we've been given will last. That's something I personally will keep with me, and that's something I want the seniors to reflect on as we leave," he said.

While Liberman did not want to divulge further details about what exactly he will say ("I don't want to blow the speech"), he will share his full message with his classmates and their friends and families on May 24.