Ohio University has selected an award-winning photographer and alumnus to give this year's commencement speech.
Herman Leonard will address graduating students at the 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. ceremonies June 13 in The Convo. Leonard said he is excited to give his first commencement speech, but that getting the nod was surprising.
I feel pretty good about it now
but the only problem is how much can I get away with in this speech? I like to push the envelope he said.
The Allentown, Pa., native graduated from OU in 1947 after serving in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945. He's won Down Beat Magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award, the Lucie Achievement in Portraiture Award and the Milt Hinton Award for Excellence in Jazz Photography.
Leonard said he is drafting the speech now and expects it to last about 15 minutes.
I can only talk about my experiences I can't talk about yours. I don't want to jabber on or give advice they already know about
he said.
What do you tell graduating kids? Get out there and work your ass off? he added.
Leonard was recommended by a group of seniors who helped select this year's speaker, said Jennifer Kirksey, assistant to the president and coordinator of special projects.
They wanted someone who is energetic
well-respected
accomplished and who knows what it means to be an Ohio University graduate
she said.
During his stay at OU, Leonard was a photographer for the Athena yearbook.
My whole experience there was easy and very good. It was doing photography that I love
he said.
His advice for students is to get involved and keep working toward their goals.
Don't think you'll get the best job right away. Your best education is not in the classroom
but on the street. That's what I'll be telling them
he said.
The deadline to apply for graduation is April 21.
