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 and is well-prepared for delivery.
Qualification
Minimum criteria required for consideration:
- Student must have a minimum of 3.8 GPA;
- Student must have made a significant contribution to the university during their program OR;
- Student must have made considerable contributions to their community;
- Students must have demonstrated the following qualities throughout their time at Detroit Mercy: respect, responsibility, honesty, empathy, fairness, initiative, courage, integrity, perseverance, and optimism;
- Student must be a positive and worthy representative of Detroit Mercy;
- Student applications must include nominations from faculty, administrators, staff, and/or Detroit Mercy students. A minimum of three and a maximum of six nominations are required (one faculty nomination is 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 toward others
- Able to accept constructive criticism
- Able to meet deadlines
Application and selection process
The deadline for submitting your application is MARCH 3, 2025. There will be no exceptions to the submission date.
The selection process:
A panel of delegates appointed 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 application 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 2025 Valediction Nomination Form). A minimum of three and a maximum of six nominations are required (one faculty nomination is required).
- If the application meets the minimum stated requirements, an email will be sent to schedule an interview with the valedictorian committee.
Nominations must be completed using 2025 Detroit Mercy Valedictorian Nomination Form (letters will not be accepted).
The deadline for submitting your application is MARCH 3, 2025. There will be no exceptions to the submission date.