Last modified: Friday, February 19, 2010
Nominations and applications being accepted for IU student Commencement speakers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 19, 2009
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University Provost and Executive Vice President Karen Hanson announced today (Feb. 19) that, beginning with the May 8, 2010, ceremonies, student speakers will become a part of the undergraduate Commencement ceremonies at IU Bloomington. Nominations and applications are currently being accepted.
"The changes in the Commencement format that were announced in the fall afford us the opportunity to add student speakers to the ceremonies," said Hanson. "Student speakers are part of the graduation traditions of many of our peer institutions. This new addition will imbue our ceremony with the student voice, and we believe it will become a meaningful part of IU's rich Commencement tradition. It will also be a wonderful capstone experience for the students who are selected."
Graduating seniors may apply to become one of the inaugural student speakers. Two students will be selected -- one for each of the undergraduate ceremonies.
A selection committee will review applications, interview a number of candidates, and recommend finalists to Hanson. The students who are chosen will receive guidance on preparing and delivering their speeches.
Any student who is graduating in May 2010 or summer 2010 and who has a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 may apply. Students may nominate themselves. In addition to a strong academic record, the committee will look for students with strong written and verbal communication skills, a history of participation in campus or community activities, and a unique story to tell.
The application deadline is March 12. To apply, students must complete an application form available on the Office of the Provost's Web site at www.iub.edu/provost. Along with the completed form, applicants must submit an essay, letters of recommendation, a resume, a transcript, and an outline of the speech they intend to deliver. Additional information is available on the provost's Web site.
Faculty, staff and students may submit nominations via e-mail to gbuse@indiana.edu by March 1.
