In an unexpected change of plans, this year’s Columbia Commencement Speaker, previously announced as author Jodi Kantor (CC ‘96), will be replaced by Tilikum the Orca (Sea World ‘17). In the wake of this shocking turn of events, the Fed spoke with new interim president Claire Shipman on why she decided to make this decision. Shipman explained, “Look, when you compare the credentials, it’s an obvious choice.”
While Cantor may have a Pulitzer prize for reporting on sexual abuse, and was included in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2018, Tilikum battled dorsal fin collapse, a kidnapping from his native Icelandic waters, and extreme psychological effects of captivity, and still tirelessly performed for SeaWorld for 34 years. In addition to his accomplished entertainment career, Tilikum humbly sired 21 calves throughout his lifetime. He balanced his career and fatherhood with grace and charm, despite his physical and psychological limitations. Subject of acclaimed 2013 documentary Blackfish, Tilikum faced heavy backlash, and despite all of it, remained an activist symbol for the inhumane treatment of orcas in captivity.
When asked to comment on Tilikum’s criminal record of being involved in the deaths of three SeaWorld employees, Shipman ironically replied, “Being locked behind gates is bound to take a toll on anyone.” The Fed reached out to Tilikum himself for a statement on this, to which he replied “OAAaaoooOOOrrGggOOAA.”
Columbia looks forward to welcoming Tilikum onto campus on May 20th, and Columbia students can expect Low Steps to be inaccessible beginning next week for the start of construction of a 40-foot-deep swimming pool.
