The below email was sent to May 2023 Champlain College Online Commencement participants on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
Dear Champlain Students:
We are looking forward to Champlain College’s Commencement 2023 on Saturday, May 13! We are planning a memorable ceremony that celebrates your accomplishments and includes our many commencement traditions. One of those traditions that makes the ceremony special is to feature a student speaker from your graduating class.
We’re inviting you to consider speaking on behalf of your classmates during the 2023 Commencement ceremony. Do you feel like you can inspire and celebrate the Class of 2023? If so, we encourage you to submit an application by Friday, March 24.
The Commencement Speaker Committee is hosting a Student Speaker Info Session on Wednesday, March 8, from 12:30–1:00 PM. This event will be an opportunity to address any questions you have about the process, but attendance is not required. Here is the Zoom link to access this session:
https://champlainonline.zoom.us/j/98084264952
Guidelines for being a student speaker are included below. A committee of faculty and staff will review all submissions and a student speaker will be chosen in April. If you have questions or need additional information please contact graduation@champlain.edu.
Sincerely,
The Graduation Team
STUDENT COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER CONSIDERATIONS
To be considered for Student Commencement Speaker, applicants must:
- Be in good academic standing
- Be willing to work with our professional staff to refine and rehearse the final speech in the days leading up to Commencement.
A Student Commencement Speech submission includes:
- A complete online application form
- A draft script of 3-4 minutes of original content
- A sample video uploaded of you delivering the speech in a quiet space with clear audio
Elements of a successful Student Commencement Speech can include:
- A message that inspires, encourages, and reflects the vision and hopes of the graduates.
- A compelling story that incorporates your Champlain College experience (e.g., volunteerism, balancing work/school, involvement in community, overcoming hurdles, taking risks, a transcendent learning experience, or other).
- A message that appeals to a diverse audience of graduates, families, and friends and that is substantive, meaningful, entertaining, and suitable to the occasion.
- A clear and cohesive organization of ideas and messages.
- A delivery that includes eye contact, poise, vocal, and visual presentation.