Ivy Day speech: NBC's Mitchell

and ALISSA KAYE NBC News White House correspondent Andrea Mitchell will be this year's Ivy Day speaker, Senior Class Board President Michael Rosenband said yesterday. Mitchell, who is a University Trustee and 1967 University graduate, is considered one of the nation's leading broadcast journalists. Rosenband called Mitchell "one of the [University's] most prominent marquee graduates, especially now." He said the selection of Mitchell was made by the Senior Class Board, in conjunction with the University's administration. "Ultimately it's up to the Senior Class Board, but [the administration] was ecstatic that we chose her and we're ecstatic as well," he said. She will give the keynote address at the University's traditional Ivy Day ceremony -- held each year the Saturday before commencement. This year's Ivy Day will be May 15. She will speak at Irvine Auditorium at 4 p.m. Rosenband said that although Conaissance will pay Mitchell's expenses, she will not be paid for speaking. "It will be more of an honor than a chore," he said. Rosenband said Mitchell seemed very enthusiastic about giving this year's address. "She was flattered and honored and looking forward to it," he said. Ivy Day honors four male students and four female students in the senior class who are recognized for outstanding accomplishments during their undergraduate years. The class's Ivy Stone is also unveiled on Ivy Day. Mitchell will also be honored at a later ceremony that will be attended by Senior Class Board members, senior award winners, their families and University administrators. Past Ivy Day speakers have included comedian Joan Rivers, L.A. Law star Alan Rachins and former basketball star Julius Erving.