Purdue News

May 21, 1999 Purdue commencement orator earns President's Medal WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Roy A. Johnson, associate registrar at Purdue University and long-time public orator at university commencement ceremonies, has received the President's Medal for outstanding achievement and service to Purdue. Johnson received the medal Sunday (5/16) afternoon from President Steven C. Beering during the last of four spring commencement ceremonies on the West Lafayette campus. It also was Johnson's final commencement before his retirement on June 30. He has served as commencement orator for more than 20 years. "Roy Johnson has added a special dignity to our commencement ceremonies over the years through his much-appreciated work on the commencement committee and his role as orator," Beering said. "I am most pleased to recognize him for his long dedication and commitment to Purdue." Johnson's 43-year affiliation with Purdue -- and commencement -- began in 1956 when he was a Purdue freshman in engineering and played in a commencement ensemble as a member of Purdue Bands. Before joining the Office of the Registrar 29 years ago, he had a four-year tenure as assistant director of Purdue Bands. Johnson holds Purdue bachelor's and master's degrees, earned in 1960 and 1962, respectively. For more than 25 years, Johnson also has been the public-address announcer for the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band, an affiliation he will continue after retirement from the registrar's office. Johnson is the 10th recipient of the President's Medal, a statuette that is a replica of the Purdue Mace. Used at all commencement ceremonies, the Mace is a ceremonial staff that incorporates the official university seal. CONTACT: Greg Zawisza, Office of University Relations, (765) 463-9119; greg_zawisza@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page