In regards to the publication of the Marquette Student Government semi-finalist selections for the senior commencement speaker, I would like to ask a few questions. By no means do I wish to take away from the nominees, and I will be the first to congratulate you on the honor of your selection. I will also be the first to admit I would much rather you be nominated than me, but I digress. The primary question is simple: A number of us would like to know why out of 10 semi-finalist spots, there is not a single nominee from the Colleges of Health Sciences, Education or Nursing?

Why not any one nomination for one of the hundreds of nurses who will be saving lives and taking care of our friends and loved ones within the next year? With a 97 percent board exam pass rate, this absence is conspicuous and puzzling.

Why not one nomination for the educators who will be enlightening the minds of tomorrow? With our nation’s international educational ranking at an all-time low, it seems odd that the people trying to change this are left out of consideration.

Why not one nomination for one of the numerous Health Sciences students who have already been accepted to high ranking and prestigious medical, dental or graduate schools?

It’s beyond strange that the people who will be improving the health and saving the lives of everyone else for decades to come are left out of consideration. Are the accomplishments and ambitions of these students any less than those of the colleges represented?

I am far too uninformed to make any judgment of the selection process myself, but as a member of one of the ostracized colleges, I know I didn’t put forth a vote for any of the nominees, simply because none of them will represent anything that resembles my Marquette experience. By all means, I am sure these individuals deserve this honor, and there is no changing the situation now, but for future classes — shouldn’t every college have equal representation and opportunities?

Matthew Klinker is a senior in the College of Health Sciences.