Sophomore to keynote Chancellor’s Convocation

A lacrosse-playing sophomore who was born on a yacht off New Zealand has been selected to deliver the keynote speech of the Chancellor’s Convocation for New Students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Rule Johnstone, of New York City, was selected by Chancellor John D. Wiley from a strong group of applicants who wrote essays answering the question: What would you tell a new student about life at the University of Wisconsin–Madison?

The event is scheduled for noon on Friday, Aug. 31, at the Kohl Center. As a bookend to commencement, the convocation inaugurates students into the campus community as they begin their studies. Traditionally, 4,000-5,000 new students attend the event.

Johnstone, who plans to major in philosophy or political science, decided to attend UW–Madison sight-unseen. He led a globe-trotting childhood, living in Italy and London before attending a "Dead Poet’s Society"-style prep school. He has family traveling to attend the event from New York and Italy.

"I remembered how anxious I was before the start of freshman year and really wanted to inspire the freshmen of this year, and to eliminate any fear they might have about starting college," he says.

"I hope that new students discover what they are passionate about, and pursue it without being intimidated by anything," he adds. "I hope new students realize the opportunities that UW provides, and that as a student at UW you are able to accomplish anything that you set your mind to. "

Other speakers will include Wiley, Dean of Students Lori Berquam and Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.

"Who can do a better job of explaining what our campus community is all about than a student?" says Wren Singer, director of Orientation and New Student Programs (ONSP), who helped judge the entries, along with her student staff. "Rule’s essay is simple and wise, and he offers a positive message."

As part of the event, ONSP has a Web site that includes the text of Johnstone’s speech, other speech contest finalists and the best advice from faculty and staff about making the most out of the first year at UW–Madison.

Other convocation finalists included Lindsay Bradfish, Natalie Fairbanks, Catherine Quinn and Nicole Rybeck.