Apply to Speak at Spring 2023 University Commencement Graduation

One graduate and one undergraduate student that will be graduating in the spring of 2023 from the College of Business will be chosen to deliver a brief inspirational speech at the University commencement (May 5, 2023).

Commencement Student Speaker Responsibilities: It is a great honor to be selected as a commencement speaker for the College of Business. The individual is chosen to represent the 2023 graduating class of the College of Business. Only two student speakers may be chosen from each college to speak in front of approximately a few thousand students, faculty, parents, alumni, and guests.

• The ideal commencement student speaker should strive to inspire and motivate the audience (both graduates and guests) in an inclusive manner.
• The content should be relevant, encouraging, and memorable. It should reflect on the mission, vision, and values of the College of Business while including the student’s academic experience and the realm of possibilities for the graduates’ futures.

Required Application materials must include:

• A letter of interest indicating undergraduate or graduate level and a brief outline of the applicant’s proposed speech (the speech must be no longer than five spoken minutes or 700 words)
• Current resume with Minnesota State Mankato accomplishments, involvement, and/or special recognition (e.g. Leadership, student organizations, committees or boards, volunteerism, awards, scholarships, research, or unique study opportunities)
• Submit materials to jennifer.meyer.2@mnsu.edu
• Deadline to submit materials: Monday, March 13, 2023 at 4:00 pm

Criteria for College of Business Commencement Student Speaker will be based on:

• Graduate or undergraduate
• Strong academic performance (Minimum 3.0 GPA and in good standing)
• Demonstrated involvement as a College of Business student and impact to Minnesota State Mankato
• Audition (quality of speech and public speaking skills)

Upon receipt of submissions, three finalists (each for undergraduate and each for graduate) will be asked to present their speech to the Commencement Speaker Selection Committee on Thursday, March 23 (graduate students may submit a video).  The Committee will provide any additional assistance to the student speakers in preparation for the University Commencement Ceremony.

Final student speakers will be chosen by March 29 with a final draft of the speech due on April 19, 2023.

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Congratulations to our past graduation speakers!

Fall 2022	Andrew Kienholz	Marketing
Spring 2022	Manav Mendonca	Management and Marketing
Fall 2021	Dylan Reiss	Accounting
Spring 2021	Kwadwo Owusu	Finance and Accounting
Fall 2020	Mason Vlaanderen	Management
Spring 2020	Margaret Knier	Marketing
Fall 2019	Hannah Perez	Marketing
Spring 2019
Fall 2018	Matou Fofana	Accounting
Spring 2018	Allison Thies	Finance
Fall 2017	Macarena Garcia Soto	International Business
Spring 2017	Austin Raebel	Finance
Fall 2016	Madelyn Hertaus	Management
Spring 2016	April Femrite	MBA
Fall 2015	DeAndre Cunningham	Finance/Business Adm
Spring 2015	Shin Zie Lai	Macc
Fall 2014	Mark Blashack	Management
Spring 2014	Matthew Lindquist	Finance
Fall 2013	Chad Hess	Accounting
Spring 2013	Anuka Rodrigo	IB/Mgmt/Marketing
Fall 2012	Kimberly Olson	Management
Spring 2012	Justin Hines	Marketing
Fall 2011	Sarah Mahn	Acctg. & Finance
Spring 2011	Andrew Meinert	MBA
Fall 2010	Michael Robinson	Finance
Spring 2010	Marie Johnson	Marketing/IB
Fall 2009	Kyle Ahlman	Management
Spring 2009	Molly Dircks	Finance
Fall 2008	Alecia Prins	Marketing/IB
Spring 2008	Evangelos Kourkafas	MBA
Fall 2007	John Baltes	Accounting
Spring 2007	Emily Toot	Management
Fall 2006	Kevin Bender	Finance
Spring 2006	Robert Wills	Marketing/IB
Fall 2005	Jon Hart	Marketing/IB
Spring 2005	Gordana Copic	Management

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