UW needs a graduation speaker

Will you answer the call?

While the UW is not turning to "American Idol" contestants quite yet, officials are feeling a little desperate, with the June 9 event just five weeks away. Plans for one big-name speaker fell apart, and nothing else has panned out since.

It's not like the hourly rate is bad. Speakers are offered $10,000 -- plus travel expenses -- for a speech at Husky Stadium which typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Some past speakers have chosen to donate the money to the university.

UW, I'll cut you a deal: $2,000 and a pair of tickets to the Apple Cup.