By By Jared Sugerman, News Staff
Congratulations, Brad Thiessen. It may not be the Beanpot, but the Stanley Cup is a nice consolation prize.
Less than a week after the Steel City celebrated yet another championship, a picture was posted on Northeastern’s online homepage commemorating the occasion. In the photo, former Husky goaltender Thiessen is flanked by Jim Heinbuck, the Penguins’ Director of Amateur Scouting, and Jim Madigan, a Pittsburgh scout. Coincidentally, both men are former members of the Northeastern men’s hockey team as well.
But the piece seems to be focused upon Thiessen, who is depicted in jersey and champion’s regalia as he stands on the ice in Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena. The adjoining article, titled ‘Raising the Cup,’ features quotes from Thiessen and a summation of his rise from Hockey East to the NHL where one of his dreams has already become a reality.
One day, he might return to Boston and skate across the TD Banknorth Garden ice as a professional hockey player. But, at least for now, he has forsaken the opportunity to walk upon that same floor to collect a diploma on graduation day.
Each year, this university produces thousands of graduates. Many of them are successful in fields less visible than sports. Is it more appropriate that they be featured on our university’s website? Is it wrong for Northeastern to openly celebrate Thiessen’s achievements?
Thiessen is part of a team that has reached the pinnacle of its profession in North America. He is an exceptional athlete, capable of playing his game at the highest level. A comparison to another occupation is troublesome.
We do not reserve a section of our newspapers to chronicle the daily accomplishments of our teachers. Our most decorated physicians will not be asked to sign a pair of surgical gloves by enthusiastic autograph-seekers.’ Idolization, and public criticism, are reserved for a minority of our population, and athletes comprise one sector of that demographic.
The events of March 30 demonstrate our prioritization of athletes as social heroes. That night, Alan Dershowitz visited Northeastern to display his new film, ‘The Case for Israel,’ and to answer related questions from the audience. About 100 people attended.
That same night, ‘a real life superhero’ also spoke at the university as part of Northeastern’s Springfest celebration. About 200 people heard New England Patriot Tedy Bruschi’s monologue.
Both celebrities deserve our admiration. Their stories reflect the value of hard work and commitment.
Both are also products of the institutions that helped to support their personal development. If Brooklyn College and Yale Law School would proudly proclaim the accomplishments of Alan Dershowitz, then Northeastern should do the same for Brad Thiessen, even if the latter did leave school without a degree.
‘- Jared Sugerman can be reached ‘
at [email protected].
