Queens Campus Undergraduate Commencement Will Not Feature a Student Speaker

Spokespeople for the University did not return multiple messages this week seeking comment

Angelica Acevedo, Editor-in-Chief • May 19, 2018

St. John’s Queens campus undergraduate commencement exercises on May 20 will not feature a student speaker, according to a student informed of the University’s decision. The Torch is not identifying the student.

It is customary for graduation ceremonies to have a student give a speech and address their fellow classmates, however, this year the University decided to “streamline the process,” according to a student.

Spokespeople for the University did not return multiple messages this week seeking comment.

The student said 15 students applied for the role and learned a week ago of the school’s decision to eschew a student speaker this year. Applications were due by March 22 and interviews took place in early April.

Frank Obermeyer, the former president of Student Government, Inc., said he applied for the role as well.

“I’d rather not comment about it,” Obermeyer said. “I’m just excited for graduation at this point.”

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About the Contributor

Angelica Acevedo, Editor-in-Chief

Angelica Acevedo is a senior journalism major with a minor in history. She has been involved with the Torch since her freshman year, and served as News Editor, Social Media Manager, Opinion Editor and Managing Editor in the past three years. As Editor-in-Chief, she hopes to continue to publish impactful, interesting and important stories that the St. John’s community needs to know. Angelica also hopes to grow the newspaper’s staff and contributors by creating an outreach position that will serve to reach out to students that are interested in practicing journalism and organizing workshops to keep them involved. Moreover, she wants readers to understand the work that journalists do and will advocate for more media literacy during her last year at St. John’s University. Have any questions? Email Angelica at [email protected]