As part of the Steinhardt graduation ceremony programs, one student will be selected to speak on behalf of their class for each ceremony (3) hosted by NYU Steinhardt. These ceremonies formally recognize the academic achievements and the remarkable contributions graduating students have made to our community.
If you would like to be considered for this special honor, please submit a graduation speech by Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. No specific format or topic is required. The selection committee is interested in a speech that will resonate with the entire audience - including the education, health, communication, and arts graduates - parents, faculty, and staff. The speech may be humorous, personal, or more general and three minutes long.
Note about AI Usage: Your authentic thoughts and experiences are paramount in being chosen for this coveted opportunity. Your own words are strongly encouraged. All submissions will be reviewed for authenticity and originality. AI usage is strongly discouraged.
Eligibility
Student Speaker candidates must be able to present their speech, in-person or via Zoom, before the NYU Steinhardt Student Affairs Committee on March 3, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m.
You must be eligible for September 2024, January 2025, or May 2025 graduation and complete your degree requirements by May 2025 with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (GPA). September 2025 graduates are not eligible to apply.
Candidates must be able to attend their NYU Steinhardt Ceremony.
Submit your speech by Tuesday, February 18, 2025, by 11:59 PM EST, with your full name as it appears in Albert, your NYU email address, and student identification number (N#). Please email Nija Monet Leocadio at nija.leocadio@nyu.edu if you have any questions.
A preliminary committee will review all eligible applications. Finalists will be contacted to present their speeches before the Student Affairs Committee. The Student Affairs Committee will select and notify the Student Speaker and the Alternate Student Speaker accordingly.
Consider attending the Graduation Student Speaker and Awards Virtual Informational on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, to learn more and ask questions about the process.