ceremony

Just how is a commencement speaker selected?

That question surfaces almost annually around the time when a notable national or world figure is announced as the person who will deliver the address to thousands of Syracuse University graduates, their family and friends.

For the past 16 years, Susan Germain has been an integral part of the commencement arrangements. As executive director of the Office of Special Events, Germain works with marshals, scholars and the guest with the biggest spotlight -- the commencement speaker.