University of Virginia Library

Environmental Interests

"It is possible that she will
integrate some of Mr.
Johnson's remarks," Mr.
Patrick said, "Before his death
he had made some headway on
his speech."

It had been reported Mr.
Johnson had planned to make
this speech one of the most
important of his career.

Public announcement of
her acceptance was delayed
while receipt of her formal
letter of acceptance was
awaited. Although the
University has not yet received
the letter, as Mrs. Johnson is in
Europe, Mr. Shannon said her
appearance is definite and
could be announced.

Mrs. Johnson is currently
involved in environmental
work with Texas
environmental organizations.
Her plans include funding to
expand services at national
parks, advertising regulations,
buried utility lines in housing
tracts, more respectful
handling of land and seminars
on environment, including
cities.

After Mr. Johnson's death
in January, the Graduating
Class Executive Board
submitted names of possible
speakers to the Public
Occasions Committee, which
chose Mrs. Johnson and
informed President Edgar F.
Shannon of the selection.
When Mr. Shannon was in
Texas on March 1, he phoned
Mrs. Johnson and received
confirmation that she would
speak at graduation.

This will be Mrs. Johnson's
second appearance at the
University, as she gave an
impromptu speech several
years ago.

Since her four years as First
Lady, Mrs. Johnson has spent
much of her time writing
memoirs of her White House
experiences and continuing
work on the environmental
program she began as First
Lady.