We are looking for an outstanding student speaker who can best represent NYIT students’ experiences at the 2012 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at the Old Westbury campus.  This is a great honor and an opportunity to share your story and to represent your class by reflecting on the educational experiences you’ve shared.

Candidates must:

• be qualified August 2011, December 2011, or May 2012 graduates, receiving an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree.
• have at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 (undergraduates);  or a 3.8 (graduate or professional).
• demonstrate a commitment to campus involvement by submitting a verifiable detailed list of extracurricular and volunteer activities, club memberships, and leadership positions.
• deliver a two-minute sample speech before the commencement selection committee and  will be judged on:  
  
  • Content of speech (unique perspective, motivational aspects, relevant quotations and anecdotes)
  • Presentation style, speech delivery

Winner receives: 

• Invitation to a VIP breakfast for you and two guests
• Four  tickets to the VIP seating section (in addition to four general seating tickets) 
• VIP parking
• Platform party processional and seating
• Recognition in commencement program 

Process and deadlines: 

Phase I: Written Application Materials
Due Friday, March 16, 2012

• Completed application (PDF) with current resume 
• Typed draft of the proposed speech 
• Typed response to the following question: Why do you want to be the 2012 Student Commencement Speaker? 

Phase II: Interviews
Scheduled in the month of March 2012

• Your application will be reviewed by the selection committee and semifinalists will be chosen.
• Semifinalist candidates will be invited to interview with the selection committee.
• During this interview, semifinalists will be videotaped giving their draft speech.

Phase III: Selection
April 2012

• All semifinalists and the winner will be contacted by the selection committee.

Phase IV: Commencement Speaker Practice Sessions (selected student only)
April - May 2012

• During this period, you will work with a “commencement coach” to prepare and finalize your commencement speech, which will be approximately two minutes in length.

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