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Valedictorian

The Valedictorian is the student who has the honor and the responsibility of delivering the farewell message to fellow graduates and their guests.  While the tradition of valedictorians calls for academic excellence and instructional involvement, the role also calls for a graduate who has a meaningful message that is well-prepared for delivery. 

Qualification

Minimum criteria required for consideration:

  1. Student must have a minimum of 3.8 GPA;
  2. Student must have made a significant contribution to the university during their program OR;
  3. Student must have made considerable contributions to their community;
  4. Student must have demonstrated the following qualities throughout their time at Detroit Mercy: respect, responsibility, honesty, empathy, fairness, initiative, courage, integrity, perseverance, optimism;
  5. Student must be a positive and worthy representative of Detroit Mercy;
  6. Student applications must include nominations from faculty, administrator, staff and/or Detroit Mercy student. A minimum of three and a maximum of six nominations are required (one faculty nomination required).  

 Other important characteristics of Detroit Mercy’s Valedictorian:

  • Well-rounded
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Organized
  • Team player
  • Excellent writing and speaking skills
  • Flexible
  • Versatile
  • Sensitive towards others
  • Able to accept constructive criticism
  • Able to meet deadlines

Application and selection process

The deadline for submitting your application is MARCH 4, 2024. There will be no exceptions to the submission date. 

The selection process:

A panel of delegates drawn from across the university serves as the Valedictorian Selection Committee. The committee members have an extremely difficult task. They are advised to base their selection on the stated qualifications as well as the other important characteristics which include: being well-rounded; having strong leadership skills; organized; team player; excellent writing and speaking skills; flexible; versatile; sensitive towards others; able to accept constructive criticism; and able to meet deadlines.

The application process process:

  • Complete the and include (in the application) a draft of the THREE no more than FOUR MINUTE speech that you wish to present at Commencement.
  •  Ask faculty, staff and/or Detroit Mercy students to nominate you for this honor (using the ). A minimum of three and a maximum of six nominations are required (one faculty nomination required).   

 Nominations must be completed using 2024 Detroit Mercy Valedictorian  Nomination Form (letters will not be accepted).

The deadline for submitting your application is MARCH 4, 2024. There will be no exceptions to the submission date.