Class of 2012 senior class marshal applications accepted through Feb. 15

There are about 100 days left until Commencement 2011, which takes place Sunday, May 15. On that day, the Class of 2011 will be led into the Carrier Dome by senior class marshals Justin Cole (College of Arts and Sciences) and Katherine Lewinski (College of Arts and Sciences ). They will carry the Class of 2011 banner to open the ceremony and continue a longstanding tradition by representing their class on this special occasion.

Applications are now being accepted for the Class of 2012 senior class marshals. The deadline to apply is Feb. 15. All juniors are eligible to apply, or they can be nominated by faculty, staff or classmates. Senior class marshals serve as the all-University student representatives for graduation and lead the Commencement procession onto the floor of the Dome. Additionally, marshals chair the committee that recommends Commencement speakers to the Chancellor.

Marshals should be distinguished individuals who have excelled during their time at SU and who exemplify the spirit of the senior class. The criteria used to determine qualified nominees include scholarship, academic honors, student organization involvement, campus service and community service. An essay, signatures of two faculty or staff nominators, and a copy of an official SU transcript are also required.

“I can honestly say that serving as one of the senior class marshals for 2009 was one of the most rewarding and gratifying experiences I had while I was an undergraduate student at Syracuse University,” says Brian Spendley ’09. “From working with my peers to select the Commencement speaker, to leading the class into the Commencement ceremony while carrying the Class of 2009 banner; I could not have asked for a better way to culminate my four years at Syracuse University.”

“Ending my SU career as senior class marshal was an unbelievable honor,” says Carissa Matthews ’09. “It was an amazing feeling to lead out a class full of such driven, talented and passionate students. To represent them was one of the proudest moments of my life.”

To apply, or nominate a junior, visit http://www.syr.edu/currentstudents/senior_class_marshal.pdf to download an application form. Application, essay and transcripts must be delivered to 306 Steel Hall by Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. For more information on the senior class marshal program, contact Radell Roberts at rrober02@syr.edu or (315) 443-4424.