Syndicated columnist and author Judith Martin, better known as Miss Manners, will speak at the 97th commencement of Sweet Briar College at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13 in the Quad at Sweet Briar. The etiquette authority and advice columnist will give a speech aptly titled “The New Lady” to Sweet Briar’s graduating seniors.

Judith Martin, aka Miss Manners, will speak at Sweet Briar's commencement.
“The New Lady” is an updated version what used to be referred to as “The New Woman,” Martin said. “It’s the effect of changes in thinking and in behavior in modern times; what now constitutes ladylike behavior in a world of — we hope — equality…in a world where women are treated with respect and dignity, and the difference between ladylike behavior in professional situations and social situations.”

Martin’s name topped a short list of possible speakers compiled by senior class officers and submitted to the College president, who made the final decision. Class secretary Kate Dobie had added Martin to the list at the suggestion of her godfather, who is acquainted with a close relative of Martin’s.

“I mentioned that we were having trouble thinking of who we would like to ask to speak at our commencement,” Dobie said. “He suggested Judith Martin because, not only was she an accomplished journalist and cultural icon, but also because she had attended a women’s college.”

Dobie said most seniors were happy with the decision, an opinion echoed by class president Leigh Darrell. “…we all thought it might be nice to have a woman who has succeeded in her field for so long,” Darrell said. “Given the length of her career and the vast amount of people she’s met as a result of it, we’re looking forward to hearing her speech at graduation.”

The Polite Miss M. seemed equally pleased with the arrangement. In a letter to Sweet Briar College president Elisabeth Muhlenfeld, Martin wrote, “I am delighted, flattered and honored to accept your and the senior class’s kind invitation to speak at the Sweet Briar commencement on May 13th. I know the College’s fine reputation, and am pleased to have the chance to be there.”

Martin spent 25 years as a reporter, feature writer and critic for the Washington Post. Her column appears in more than 200 newspapers in the United States and abroad.

In addition to her most recent book, “Miss Manners’ Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior (Freshly Updated),” published in April 2005, Martin has written 10 other Miss Manners books and two novels. She is currently working on a non-fiction book, “No Vulgar Hotel,” depicting Venice, Italy, through the eyes of travelers, past and present.

Martin also was a recipient of a National Humanities Medal, presented by President George W. Bush in November 2005.

Born in Washington, D.C., she is a graduate of Wellesley College.

— By Suzanne Ramsey, SBC staff writer