Commencement speakers nominated by faculty, staff, alumni, trustees

The speaker also receives an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

Greg Wright, executive writer and media relations manager, said in an email that faculty, staff, trustees and alumni suggest people each year as possible candidates to speak at commencement.

Those candidate names then go to the president and his cabinet, who consider the nominations.

Those nominations are then sent to the Graduate Education Committee to get an official nomination, and then to the Board of Trustee, who gives the final approval on the selection. The actual selection is made by the president and his cabinet.

"John has demonstrated the abilities we encourage in our students," said Ball State President Paul W. Ferguson in a press release. "His story of hard work, perseverance and the willingness to take risks will be compelling and inspirational to each one in our audience. We are proud of his accomplishments and are so pleased to honor him at commencement.”

Wright said in an email Schnatter has been under consideration for an honorary degree for several years now.

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