The valedictorian commencement speech is no more. At least, it’s not automatic.

Beginning this year, Neumann is inviting graduating students to apply for student speaker roles. One student will be selected to speak at the undergraduate commencement, one at graduate commencement, and one at academic convocation.

The deadline to apply to be this year's commencement or convocation student speaker is Friday, April 3, at 11:59 p.m.

“Every year, we have a collection of very capable students who are eager to address their classmates at commencement,” says Provost Eric Wellington. “This new process gives three of them the opportunity to reflect on their experiences at Neumann and share those memories.”

Graduating students interested in delivering a commencement address must be eligible for graduation, be in good academic and disciplinary standing, and commit to attend and participate fully in the in-person commencement ceremony.

The application must include a written draft of 3-to-7-minute speech, a personal statement/short biography, a letter of recommendation from faculty/staff, and a resume. Of course, the valedictorian is welcome to apply for one of the speaking slots.

A selection committee comprised of faculty and staff will review entries and schedule auditions for the finalists during the week of April 13.

The committee will consider the following criteria: clarity of ideas, appeal to a broad audience and common experiences of Neumann University students, the quality of speech content, length of the presentation, the extent to which the speech represents the mission and values of Neumann University, and the speaker’s delivery.

The Academic Awards Convocation is scheduled for May 16 at 1:30 p.m. Two commencement ceremonies will be held on May 17: graduate and adult students at 10 a.m. and undergraduate students at 2 p.m.