The Keynote speaker for this year’s commencement ceremony, which takes place May 6, will be David Barensfeld, CEO of Ellwood Group INC, a group that specializes in “steelmaking and heavy metals,” according to its website.

Barensfeld, who has been the President and CEO of Ellwood Group since 1983, was invited by President Douglas Lee after Stover Scholars came with the Stover centers director, Dr. Lawrence Stratton, to visit his company.

Speaking at a college graduation isn’t something that Barensfeld has done in the past. But he was impressed enough with the Stover Scholars and the university’s repetition that, after learning more about Waynesburg, decided that addressing the outgoing senior class would be a positive experience, both for himself and the university.

“I’ve never spoken at a commencement before,” Barensfeld said. “But I was impressed with the Stover Scholars. I’ve always known that Waynesburg was a fine university, and I did a little research on Waynesburg on the computer. I thought [speaking would] be a good opportunity for me and for Waynesburg.”

While Barensfeld has never spoken at an event like commencement, he’s no stranger to speaking in front of big crowds. In the past, Barensfeld has spoken at events such s as groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and employee meetings that, according to Barensfeld, sometimes involve “hundreds of people.” Barensfeld isn’t anxious, but excited about the new experience of speaking in front of a university, and is looking forward about gaining knowledge about Waynesburg University.

“I’m interested in learning new things about Waynesburg,” he said. “[I’m] not nervous, but looking forward to new experience.”

According to Barensfeld, his speech is set to be about 10 minutes long, and will stress “the importance of keeping a strong manufacturing base in our nation.” He looks forward to speaking to students that are planning to pursue a career in manufacturing, as well as others who still might be considering one.

“I want to congratulate all the graduating students, especially those intending to work in the manufacturing sector,” Barensfield said. “[I also look forward to speaking to] those not in manufacturing sector because we need to recruit good people.”

With almost four decades of experience in his profession and several public speaking appearances, Barensfeld believes that the key to delivering an effective speech is to “make a good point and make it distinctly.”

“Anybody who makes a speech should try hard to understand the material that they’re presenting about and to speak from personal knowledge,” he said.  “I don’t think it’s a particular strength of mine. It can be a strength of any person. If you can talk about something you’ve lived, experienced, or learned, you have a chance of communicating with your audience.”

Before Barensfeld’s speech, which will begin at 2 p.m. on the front lawn of Miller Hall, the Rev. Stuart Broberg will lead the baccalaureate address, which begins at 11 a.m. in Roberts Chapel.