Brazil RPCV George Lensing has been tapped to give the keynote speech at this year's December Commencement
Lensing selected as Dec. speaker
English professor to helm ceremony
BY BRIAN HUDSON
ASSISTANT UNIVERSITY EDITOR
September 07, 2004
UNC English Professor George Lensing has been tapped to give the keynote speech at this year's December Commencement, University officials said.
News of the appointment, originally slated to be released later this week, was announced prematurely during Friday's Faculty Council meeting.
Officials say they will make a formal announcement of the December and May Commencement speaker selections later this week.
Judith Wegner, chairwoman of the faculty, described Lensing as a professor dedicated to students throughout the University.
"If I am looking to find him for something, he's having lunch with students some place," said Wegner, a member of the commencement speaker committee. "He's somebody who is just always going out of his way for students."
Lensing was recommended for the honor by the committee during the summer.
Chancellor James Moeser approved the recommendation and extended an invitation to speak to Lensing soon after.
An expert in modern poetry, Lensing earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in 1962, and he received a doctorate in 1966 from Louisiana State University. After a two-year stint serving in the Peace Corps in Brazil, Lensing joined the University's faculty in 1969.
He serves on the selection committee for the University's most prestigious merit awards, the Morehead and Robertson scholarships.
He also acts as the director of the Office of Distinguished Scholarships.
"So he's the one who coaches everyone who's applying for Rhodes Scholarships and such," Wegner said.
Steve Allred, executive associate provost and chairman of the speaker committee, said Lensing's work with a broad range of students made him an ideal candidate for the role of Commencement speaker.
"He was an enthusiastic recommendation from the committee, from both the students and the faculty," Allred said. "He's someone who has connected with students across campus, not only in the classroom but also in the ... unlimited hours he's put into working with students who are nominated for scholarships."
Senior Class President Jovian Irvin, a member of the speaker committee, said Lensing has "a certain reputation with the students and the faculty, known for their works and their personality."
Irvin said these criteria are pivotal factors in the selection of a December Commencement speaker.
"I believe anyone who was given this honor would take it wholeheartedly and use it to really reach students," she said.
During his almost 30-year term at the University, Lensing has served as the secretary of the faculty and assistant dean of honors.
He also wrote three books on American poetry and co-authored a book on contemporary American poets.
"His skill as a teacher is very clear," Wegner said. "Modern poetry is not an easy thing for everyone to master, but ... he always has a full house in his classes. ... I'm sure he's going to be a delight to hear."
Lensing was unavailable for comment Monday evening.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
