Pat Sajak, longtime “Wheel of Fortune” host and Hillsdale College Board of Trustees chairman, will be the commencement speaker for the class of 2024, according to an email announcement from the provost’s office Wednesday.

“Pat Sajak gave a wonderful convocation speech some years ago,” College President Larry Arnn said in a statement to The Collegian. “He has done long and excellent service for our college, and he has a serious understanding of and commitment to it. I expect his remarks will be worthy of the occasion.”

Sajak, who has hosted “Wheel of Fortune” since 1981, has been in college leadership for more than two decades. After joining the college’s board of trustees in 2002 — two years after Arnn became president — he was named chairman of the board in 2019.

Associate Vice President for Curriculum David Whalen has taught at Hillsdale since 1994 — before Sajak or Arnn arrived. He said Sajak is “one of the most thoughtful, articulate people” he knows.

“Though I do not pretend to be a close associate of Pat Sajak’s, I could sing his praises all day,” Whalen said. “Everyone knows he is a great wit, but he’s also intellectually serious, genuinely gracious, and deeply committed to the best things that go on here.”

After hosting more than 7,000 episodes, Sajak announced in June he will step down from hosting “Wheel of Fortune” next year. Sajak has hosted the show longer than anyone has hosted any other American television program, according to the announcement from the provost’s office.

Provost Christopher VanOrman said the college is looking forward to Sajak’s commencement address.

“Mr. Sajak is not only an iconic figure in Hollywood but has also been a longtime friend and supporter of the college,” VanOrman said. “I anticipate his remarks will be witty, engaging, and memorable.”

Professor of History Kenneth Calvert said he has a great respect for Sajak.

“While he is best known for his game show, what is less known is that he has worked very hard in support of conservative and patriotic initiatives across the country, including his work on behalf of Hillsdale College,” Calvert said. “He has been a close friend of Dr. Arnn’s for many years, before Dr. Arnn came to Hillsdale. We should be grateful for Mr. Sajak’s efforts.”

Senior Class President Joseph Perez, who assisted the college in choosing a commencement speaker, said choosing Sajak honors the work he has done for the college as he retires from television.

“He’s very well aligned with Hillsdale’s institutional mission,” Perez said. “We’re confident that he’ll give a great speech in the spring.”