Ronald Johnson, a senior in business management and psychology, will deliver the commencement speech during the graduation ceremony May 12.

Twice a year, the Commencement Advisory Committee conducts auditions and selects one graduating senior to deliver the commencement speech at the December or May graduation. For this year’s spring graduation, the committee chose Johnson after his speech audition to represent the class of 2007 and deliver the commencement speech.

“I was amazed [that I was chosen],” Johnson said. “I felt a great sense of accomplishment — I was really happy.”

Susan Matney, chair of the Commencement Advisory Committee, said the committee chooses the speaker based on many requirements for graduating seniors.

“We select the students based on them being representative of the graduation class, being well-spoken and having something relevant to say,” Matney said.

Johnson said he thinks the Commencement Advisory Committee chose him because his speech was different than typical graduation speeches.

“What I talked about was kind of different than the standard graduation speech,” Johnson said. “What I had to say kind of had a different twist, but I think the committee liked what I had to say, and I think I have the energy.”

According to Johnson, the beginning of his speech is about his various experiences at N.C. State. However, Johnson declined to talk about the rest of his speech because he did not want to disclose the entire speech.

“I don’t want to give that part away,” he said. “That’s what made my speech different, and I want everyone at graduation to hear it.”

He said he wanted to apply to become the commencement speaker because of the experiences he has gone through while a student at the University.

“I have loved [this place] ever since I’ve been here – it’s been a big part of who I am and who I’ve become, and I’ve had a chance to do so many things here,” Johnson said. “Also with this being the 50th anniversary of the first African-American at N.C. State, I thought it was the perfect time for an African-American to speak at graduation, but I knew that wasn’t a shoe-in.”

Paul Cousins, director of the Office of Student Conduct, and Tracey Ray, director of Multicultural Student Affairs, wrote a letter of recommendation for Johnson, as a part of the application process.

According to Matney and Johnson, 17 seniors submitted applications for the commencement speaker, but only 15 showed up to auditions on March 26.

“I thought the competition was really stiff,” Johnson said. “I was impressed with what the [other] people did.”

Johnson said he knew most of the people who were auditioning were student leaders at the University.

“I expected some of those people to audition just because [the graduation speech] appeals to student leaders, or people who feel like they have something to say,” Johnson. “I was like, ‘Wow I’m really going to have to go in and do my thing and rise above the rest.'”

Before commencement, Johnson must attend meetings with Victoria Gallagher, a communication professor, to work with her and prepare for the honor.

Johnson said he is a chancellor’s aide, Alumni Association student ambassador and is involved in Student Government, Society of African American Culture, 100 collegiate Black Men of America and Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporated.

“We are pleased,” Matney said. “It’s going to be a great ceremony in May.”

Graduation is May 12 at 9 a.m. in the RBC Center.