Graduation Speaker Showdown: Michael Bloomberg vs. Angela Merkel

Photo by Joe Darrow

MIT and Harvard compete for top talent and global renown, but during graduation season, it all comes down to who has the hottest celebrity speaker. In one corner, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. In the other, German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Who will reign supreme?

Bloomberg at MIT

Local connection: Born in Brighton, he’s lived in Allston, Brookline, and Medford. He also graduated from Harvard Business School.

Expecting protests?: The billionaire has dropped a fortune going after guns and fossil fuels, and is spending like crazy on voter registration to defeat Donald Trump. But is he progressive enough for the People’s Republic? We’ll find out.

What will they talk about?: Does anyone care? All we want to know is whether he’s going to change his mind and decide to run for president.

School bragging rights: Well, Bloomberg did go to HBS, so that’s kind of a coup.

Fee: How much does it cost to buy the time of one of the world’s richest men? You’ll have to ask MIT.

Worth crashing?: Yes.

Merkel at Harvard

Local connection: Most Bostonians are generally aware that Germany exists.

Expecting protests?: Unless people are still fired up about Greek austerity policies, she’s probably safe.

What will they talk about?: If not Brexit, maybe she’ll joke about the rumor that perpetually stoned rapper Lil Pump—the mind behind Harverd Dropout—had replaced her as the university’s commencement speaker.

School bragging rights: Harvard already had Bloomberg back in 2014. So Merkel is at least a fresh face on the podium.

Fee: $100,000 to $200,000, or the loose change in the couch at the Harvard endowment office, whichever is higher.

Worth crashing?: Yes.