2010 UAA Student Commencement Speaker
The Student Commencement Speaker offers an address during the Commencement Ceremony in May. The Student Commencement Speaker is considered the representative of the graduating class and will be seated on the stage with other notable members of the UAA and UA community as well as Alaska. As this representative it is expected the student will have made significant contributions to the campus community and have achieved academic success. This honor is an opportunity for a student to give back to the University and their graduating class by sharing an address filled with positive words, encouragement, and reflection on the past few years.
Click Here for 2010 Student Commencement Speaker Application
Criteria for Eligibility
· Applicants must have graduated in fall 2009 or be graduating in spring 2010
· Demonstrate academic success by achieving a minimum 3.0 cumulative UAA GPA (at time of application)
· Currently in good disciplinary standing
· On-going leadership involvement at UAA for three semesters if receiving a bachelor’s degree, or two semesters if receiving other degrees or certificates
o The student’s involvement may include memberships with campus groups, coordinating events on campus, holding campus job or being appointed or elected to a leadership position with an organization, board, or committee
o The student’s involvement must have contributed to the improvement of student life on campus (i.e.: the student identified a need and filled it. They did not just watch from the sidelines, but instead made a significant difference by their involvement).
· Submitted a complete application – applications due by 5pm on Monday, February 22, 2010
Creating a Commencement Address
The student speaker at commencement has the privilege of addressing all UAA students from those receiving certificates to those receiving masters degrees. While there are many people in attendance at the ceremony the goal of the student speaker is to represent and speak to their fellow students.
When creating the speech it is important to reflect somewhat on UAA student experiences. But the speech is not only about retrospection and the experiences students had while at UAA. The speech should also look forward and provide some sense of the future, some sense of inspiration. Finally, commencement is a day for celebration. So it is important to infuse the speech with that sense of accomplishment and pride.
For additional suggestions on creating your commencement address we recommend the following:
USA Today: 8 Keys to a Graduation Speech with Pomp and Significance
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-05-12-commencement-graduation_N.htm
USA Today: 10 Stellar Commencement Addresses
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-05-12-best-speeches_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip
GraduationWisdom.com
A website fully dedicated to the art of commencement speeches; video archives of famous address, helpful advice on creating your speech, and tons of inspirational quotes for your consideration.
www.graduationwisdom.com
You Tube
Search ‘commencement addresses’ and see the most inspirational, funny, and biggest mistakes!
www.youtube.com
