By Rachel Morse, Staff Writer
She has visited campus many times with her “Wicked” talent and has students across campus following her tweets.
Actress/Broadway performer Kristin Chenoweth is scheduled as the guest speaker for the Spring 2012 commencement ceremonies, said Diana Silver, academic services specialist.
“Right now the speaker we are anticipating is Kristin Chenoweth,” she said. “That is subject to change.”
Chenoweth’s schedule is not certain and the ceremony is too far away to make her appearance official, Silver said.
“She is a busy woman and things come up,” she said. “I think right now is maybe a little too early for any of us.”
Chenoweth mentioned speaking at the ceremonies to President Robert Henry backstage after a performance of “Promises, Promises,” Silver said.
“I think they met and hit it off,” she said.
Officials from the President’s office decide who will speak at graduation, Silver said. They look for someone who can relate to the graduates and distinguish themselves as a leader.
“Kristin is an inspirational figure both recognizable to and meaningful to students,” she said.
Colleen Daly, acting senior, said she sees Chenoweth as an role model and said she is excited to have her speak for Spring 2012 commencement.
“I think it’s a wonderful choice because she is an alumni from OCU that has been extremely successful, so she provides hope for graduates to fulfill their dreams,” she said.
The ceremony will be 11 a.m. for undergraduates and 3 p.m. for graduates on May 5 in the Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center, Silver said.
If Chenoweth speaks, there will not be enough room in Freede for everyone, she said. The Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center will have a live feed of the ceremony, as will a link on the university’s website, Silver said.
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