Undergraduate Student Speaker
One of the highest distinctions a student can receive is to be selected as the Undergraduate Student Speaker for Commencement. It is a chance to represent Binghamton University by giving an address that inspires, encourages and reflects the vision and hopes of the Class of 2011. The address not only commemorates the event, but also gives a student the opportunity to pay tribute to those who have helped him/her along the way as well as tout the accomplishments of fellow graduates.
During the fall semester, only one graduating senior will be selected to give the address at the University Commencement to be held on Sunday, December 11, 2011.
Eligibility
To be eligible, the student must:
- Be an undergraduate
- Be a summer 2011 graduate or a fall 2011 candidate
- Have good disciplinary standing at the University
- Demonstrate academic success
- Be an active participant in the University community (i.e., leadership position in club or organization, mentor on campus or in greater Binghamton community, etc.)
Application Requirements
Complete applications are due on Friday, October 14, 2011, at 12 p.m. Please note: Only 100% complete applications will be considered.
- Undergraduate Student Speaker Application Checklist
- Personal statement – include information about yourself as well as why you wish to represent your class at Commencement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Provide each recommender with a copy of the Recommendation Instructions
- Recommenders must be professors, administrator s or staff members at Binghamton University
- Resume - a brief one (1) page resume that includes your school, major and any university activities
- A complete first draft of the speech you’d like to give at Commencement
Speech Guidelines
- The speech should be substantive, meaningful, and entertaining
- The topic should be relevant to graduates, but should also address the general audience
- The address should inspire, encourage and reflects the vision and hopes of the Class of 2011
- Speak of new goals and how the graduates will attain these goals; try to avoid bemoaning the world's problems
- Original content is required; this speech should be developed expressly for the Commencement ceremony
- It is often helpful to focus on 2-3 key points/messages you want to convey to the audience
- Speech length should not exceed 5 minutes
