ANN ARBOR— Philosophy and English student Jacob E. Roth, whose spirited speech includes pop culture references, will speak at the University’s Winter Commencement Dec. 15. Roth, of West Bloomfield in Oakland County, will receive Bachelor of Arts degrees in both of his major fields at the ceremony beginning at 2 p.m. at Crisler Arena. About 2,000 students from the Ann Arbor campus are expected to receive degrees. Roth’s double-degree course load concentrated in 19th century American literature and Platonic philosophy. Outside the classroom he’s been active on the communications and budget priorities committees of the Michigan Student Assembly. He also participated in community service projects in Detroit, West Bloomfield and Kincaid, West Va. (Alternative Spring Break 2002). The next adventure in Roth’s life is a trip to Israel, where he’s been accepted into a program to study ancient Hebrew texts in sceptic thought and philosophy. “I thought I’d give the conservatives a fair shake,” Roth said. Is he worried about going to that part of the world at this time? “Well, my parents would like me to reconsider, but for me, at this point in my life, war is not a reason for me to avoid this opportunity,” he said. Four students and two faculty members comprised the student commencement speaker selection committee. The speeches are submitted in writing and on audio cassette tape. Committee member Rich Cureton, associate professor of English, said that not only was Roth’s speech well written, but also that “we liked his spirit and his breadth of reference, including popular culture. It communicated well with his audience.”