One of the highlights of graduating is hearing words of wisdom from someone accomplished and knowledgably.
On May 10, graduates receiving bachelor degrees will hear from pilot Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger, who is best known for guiding emergency water landing of U.S. Airways Flight 1549 on Jan. 15, 2009.
The rescue became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson,” and Sullenberger became famous for his response to the emergency. His nickname “Sully” became a household name and he appeared on several TV shows and was features on programs like “60 Minutes” and “Today.”
Sullenberger was chosen by a committee of students and administrators because of his leadership skills. Vice President of Student Affairs Brad Williams said Sullenberger seemed like a natural fit to speak at commencement since he used impeccable leadership skills in a short amount of time to save 155 people. He has also continued to work and is a CBS News aviation and safety expert, as well as the founder of safety and performance consulting company Safety Reliability Methods, Inc.
“[President Hanbury] has been speaking a lot about his hopes that an NSU degree helps to unleash the leader within each student who graduates,” Williams said. “That’s the thematic dynamic of commencement.”
When the university contacted Sullenberger, he felt he could share his life with graduates and share how life gives you unscripted moments you have to face.
A student speaker will also address graduates at commencement.
In the past, the student speaker was chosen from the outstanding graduating students from each division of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Nursing, the College of Health Care Sciences and the Fischler School of Education.
This year, any graduating senior was eligible to audition to be the speaker, including undergraduates from Institute for the Study of Human Service, Health and Justice. Dan Sullivan, interim associate dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies, said these tryouts took place April 3 and staff and faculty served as judges.
The winner was Emma Magner, theatre and marine biology major. Magner has been on the dean’s list for all her 10 semester at NSU and is a member of Delta Epsilon Iota and Tri Beta Biological Academic Honors. She also acted or worked backstage in several NSU performances such as “The Importance of Being Ernest,” “Wonder of the World,” and “Stop Kiss.” She also worked on campus as a resident assistant, a lifeguard and an office assistant.
