Lane delivers Millor Orator Address
Former chapter president encourages classmates to lead a life of purpose

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OHIO -- Two years after watching his big brother and former chapter president J.J. Kuczynski '10 step up to the podium as the sole student speaker at graduation, another former chapter president, Andy Lane '12, delivered this year's Millor Orator Address during Commencement Exercises held on May 20.

Chosen after a competitive application and audition process, Lane felt "honored and humbled" when he received the congratulatory call in April. "It was a very touching moment that is still hard to put into words."

Andy has always had a passion for public speaking, but was particularly inspired to apply by his grandmother, who became seriously ill two years ago but persevered through surgery and a bout with pneumonia. "I thought that being Millor Orator would be a great way for my grandmother to experience her last grandson's college graduation," he said. She will turn 95 in August.

Andy's speech came after one by Dr. Charles M. Geschke, a former JCU professor and the co-founder of Adobe Systems, Inc. Ironically, Geschke co-founded Adobe with a brother of Beta Theta Pi, John Warnock, Utah '62.

"While stepping up to the podium, I wanted to take a moment to take it all in," Andy reflected. "I looked out to my fellow classmates and the crowd of people and thought, 'this is awesome.' Suprisingly, it was the least nervous I have ever been giving a speech."

Andy was was recognized during the Alumni Awards Dinner on Friday of Commencement weekend, and also received a plaque denoting the honor. The Millor Orator is named after the late Rev. William J. Millor, S.J., who served the university in a variety of posts over 28 years. 

For the full text of Andy's speech, click here. To watch the video of his address, click here. He is being introduced by John T. Day, Ph.D., Provost and Academic Vice President.

He concluded, "It was an experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life and something that I hope to build upon in the future."