International opera singer and Iowa native Simon Estes has accepted an invitation to speak at Iowa State’s undergraduate commencement ceremony in May.

But there’s one question that still needs an answer: Will he sing?

Those in a position to know won’t say on the record whether the opera great will serenade the commencement audience.

Charles Dobbs, an assistant to ISU President Martin Jischke, would not comment on the possibility of an Estes serenade, but he did stress the importance of being there.

“Commencement is a particularly meaningful time for graduates, their families and friends. In that sense, this series of commencement and convocation ceremonies are as meaningful as previous ones. They mark a time of ending and beginning.”

It wouldn’t be the first time Estes has spoken and performed at a university’s commencement ceremony. In 1994, Estes performed at Drake University.

Carla McCrea, Drake’s graduation coordinator, said Estes’ sister was killed in an automobile accident the night before the ceremony. Though Drake officials offered to excuse him from the ceremonies, Estes chose to honor his commitment even in the face of personal tragedy.

McCrea said after he spoke, Estes sang “Climb Every Mountain.”

“There was not a dry eye in the house,” said Marion Panyan, a professor in Drake’s Department of Special Education, Counseling and Rehabilitation. She the event was among the most moving commencement ceremonies she can recall.

While ISU officials won’t say if Estes will perform at the May 10 undergraduate commencement ceremony, enthusiasm among students, faculty and staff is building.

“That’s wonderful,” said William Woodman, president of the Faculty Senate. “I think I’d pay to attend.”

“I’d love to hear Simon Estes sing. I heard him last year in Des Moines on the 4th of July, and I’d love to hear him again,” said Simon Davies, a graduate student in agriculture and biosystems engineering.

Estes, a native of Centerville, began his singing career at age 8 at the Second Baptist Church in his hometown. He later attended the University of Iowa and the Julliard School of Music.

Estes has created four scholarship organizations, including the Simon Estes Iowa Arts Scholarship Fund and the Simon and Estella H. Estes Scholarship Fund at Centerville Community College.

In 1993, Estes established the Simon Estes International Foundation for Children to provide financial assistance in the areas of health and education to underprivileged children.

Estes now lives in Hamburg, Germany, and performs regularly in cities around the world. He will receive an honorary degree, a doctor of humane letters, at the May 10 ceremony.

The selection process for commencement speakers begins with Jischke, who makes decisions with the help of his cabinet, the provost, vice provost and the college deans.

Dobbs said the president accepts recommendations from a broad cross-section of the university community and the process is open to students.

Previous ISU commencement speakers include Richard McCormick, CEO of US West; Stanley Howe, chairman of HON Industries; Richard Stanley, CEO of the Stanley Foundation; and Owen J. Newlin, retired senior vice president of Pioneer Hi-Bred International and now president of the state Board of Regents.