As seniors begin to prepare for the day they have been working toward for four years, Ithaca College has yet to announce this year’s Commencement speaker — an important aspect of the celebration.

Last semester, President Tom Rochon announced the college’s decision to appoint a notable alumnus or faculty member as the speaker in order to reduce expenses. It is now time for the college to present its choice of speaker and not leave an integral part of the ceremony unknown.

The college has begun sending out Commencement invitations, and orders for the sustainable caps and gowns have been placed. Not identifying the speaker so close to the date illustrates a lack of professionalism from the college and downplays the importance of the ceremony.

A Commencement speaker marks the end of the college experience and should offer intellectual and inspiring advice for the future, making the profile of the speaker a crucial aspect of the event. Cornell University has already announced Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as its Commencement speaker for its ceremony one week after the college’s. The last celebration for this year’s seniors will be their graduation, and it is up to the college to make the ceremony memorable for these future alumni.

The class of 2010 has earned a proper send-off like every other class, and along with the rest of the campus community, it deserves to know who will bid them farewell.