On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Provost Carol Fierke sent out an email to students about the selection process for this year’s student Commencement speakers. 

Beginning Monday, Nov. 25, students will have the opportunity to nominate themselves and their peers for the Richard Kaufman ’58 Memorial Prize for Leadership and Academic Excellence. Nominated undergraduate students will be evaluated by the undergraduate selection committee, chaired by Executive Director of English Language Programs Vinodini Murugesan, while graduate students will be evaluated by the graduate selection committee, chaired by university librarian Matthew Sheehy. By the end of the process, one undergraduate student and one graduate student will have been selected to speak at the University’s 74th annual Commencement ceremony on May 18, 2025. 

According to Fierke, “Selected students will reflect the distinctive qualities of the graduating class, and demonstrate academic excellence, leadership in their activities, and a commitment to improving the world around them.” In addition to having the opportunity to speak at Commencement, the undergraduate student and graduate student who are selected will also receive a cash prize in recognition of their accomplishments. 

The link to the nomination form will be sent out to students at a later date. Students, faculty and staff will be able to nominate potential student speakers from Monday, Nov. 25 at 9 a.m. until Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.