University of Virginia Library

Speech Depends On Health

The acceptance was
tentative, Mr. Patrick said
only in the sense that an
unexpected worsening in Mr.
Johnson's health might prevent
him from appearing at
commencement.

Releasing the information
on behalf of the Graduating
Class Executive Board, Mr.
Patrick noted, "We're really
pleased that Mr. Johnson has
decided to give the
address—he was our number
one choice for speaker."

The Executive Board met
just before class ended last
spring to choose the person
most desired by the Class of
1973 for its commencement
speaker.

A poll had been taken on
the spring semester election
ballots to determine the
preference of the graduating
students, and "Mr. Johnson
was the top vote-getter."

The former President was
the nearly-unanimous selection
of the Executive Board The
Board's recommendation was
immediately approved by the
University's Public Occasions
Committee, chaired by Asst.
Humanities Prof. W. Bedford
Moore.

One of the inducements
contributing to Mr. Johnson's
acceptance of the invitation
may be the fact that his
son-in-law, Charles Robb, will
be graduating from the Law
School this spring.

Mr. Robb could not be
reached for any comment
regarding Mr. Johnson's
decision to come to
Charlottesville. The former
President's daughter and Mr.
Robb's wife, Lynda Byrd,
declined to comment on her
father's plans.