Matt Piescinski the Voice of EIU

They may not recognize him by sight, but anyone who has attended Eastern Illinois University in the past 35 years has probably heard Matt Piescinski’s voice.

An EIU press release reported that he serves as the public address announcer at the spring state track meets and the badminton state finals, as well as at some of the university’s football and basketball games. Acting as master of ceremonies, he presided over Eastern’s centennial celebration as they opened the cornerstone at Old Main, and participated in the inaugurations of two university presidents – Carol Surles and William Perry.  

Perhaps, however, his voice is most recognized for its role in Eastern’s annual commencement ceremonies. For two decades, Piescinski has announced the names of every EIU graduate who participated in the fall and spring events. Names of those graduating with distinction are followed by the carefully pronounced, highly coveted terms “cum laude,” “magna cum laude” or “summa cum laude.”  read more