Acorn

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Can you write something about my rippling pectorals? Or use the word 'stimulated' at least three times?" Having a serious conversation with this year's senior speaker Matt Galen may seem borderline impossible.

He follows almost every statement with "No, just kidding," and laughs off any idea that he might actually deserve the position of senior speaker. He becomes almost nonsensical when he discusses his ideas for the speech he will make at graduation.

"I've wanted to speak to seniors for a long time. There will be multiple references to nuts, at least one analogy involving sea mammals and a nugget of wisdom sure to melt the coldest senior heart."

Wisdom might not be the best word for it, but if this interview is any indication, laughter will certainly play a huge part at this year's ceremonies. Described as "hilarious" by junior Leanna Celebre, Galen is known on campus for his physical humor -- such as his ability to climb lamp posts without breaking a sweat -- and verbally colorful, if totally random, comments.

While some may dismiss Galen as just another class clown, his dedication to campus has been apparent throughout his years at Drew. He describes himself as the "most reclusive senior ever," and yet on the rare occasion that he ventures out of his townhouse, he is attacked by passers-by waiting to be entertained.

His ambitious academic nature -- one can often find him sitting in the library chugging Red Bull or Mountain Dew with several books in front of him -- combined with his casual nature around other students makes him a notable personality on campus.

Galen is as much at home here in New Jersey as he is in his native Oregon, and he "only just realized how much this campus means to [him]."

When asked why he believes he was elected senior speaker, Galen responded "I guess because I am the nerdiest guy I know, and everyone knows that nerds love speech team. If there was a senior chess championship for graduation, I'd be there."

Other students hold Galen in higher esteem, noting that his comedy is only one of his many attributes. "I've known Matt since freshman year, and I can say that he is the funniest person here at Drew," senior Colin Daniels said. "But he is also highly intelligent and a very good public speaker, so I couldn't be happier with his selection."

However, Galen knows that he has some rather large shoes to fill. Last year's speech given by Matt Montgomery is one that has lived on past his graduation, and Galen knows there is pressure to live up to the hype, he said.

"Everywhere I go, people say 'If you're senior speaker you could never be as good as Matt Montgomery.' And I cry a little on the inside every time."

Yet, Galen is confident in his ability to continue the great tradition of comedic speakers, promising to "carry the torch that Matt Montgomery lit -- the burning torch of wit."

To prepare for his speech, Galen has "conferred with many great minds on the subject. I draw upon D.H. Lawrence, channel some of Einstein's trademark wit and talk about ponies," he said.

"No, wait. Make that inspiring ponies. Ponies that win races from really far behind." When asked if that somehow relates to his time at Drew, Galen is quick to respond "Exactly. I've been running against the wind."

Apparently his race ends with his classmates' desire to hear more of his ponderings, perhaps because seniors know that beyond his lack of inner monologue and incessant streams of consciousness, Galen has something to say.

And even if it isn't the deepest speech ever given at Drew, it is guaranteed to be remembered for years to come.

"I want to send people off in style," Galen says, "with pizzazz. Everything is better with pizzazz."

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