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Princeton University names Nicholas Johnson its first black valedictorian

Monday, May 11, 2020 at 10:42 AM by Joseph Omotayo

- Nicholas Johnson, a Canadian student has become the first black valedictorian in the history of Princeton University, New Jersey

- A person is chosen as a valedictorian based on their impressive success and how they academically ranked far higher than their peers

- Johnson said that he felt disappointed that there could not be a physical celebration with his classmates during graduation because of Covid-19

An institution in the United States, Princeton University, has chosen its first black valedictorian in the school 274-year history for Princeton’s Class of 2020.

Nicholas Johnson who was named for the position is a Canadian student who studied in operations research and financial engineering, CNN reports.

In speaking with CNN, he said that being considered for the position holds great importance for him, considering how the school is connected with the institution of slavery.

He added that he hopes the new development serves as an inspiration to black students around the world.

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Nicholas had both academic and social achievement in the school. Photo source: CNN
Source: UGC

Johnson said most of his fond memories were those he shared with close friends and classmates on discussions bordering on beliefs and cultures and how they could contribute to the world in their own special way.

He was also very grateful to the school for their support, especially in how they sponsored his international internship to the UK, Peru, and Hong Kong.

It should be noted that Johnson’s senior thesis has a focus on using algorithms to develop a community-based preventive health programme that could decrease obesity in Canada.

In the summer, he will be looking forward to an internship in hybrid quantitative research and software development at the D E Shaw Group.

The achiever said that though it is very dampening not being able to celebrate as a class together in person this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, he is very grateful for all that the school’s administration has done.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that another Nigerian, Benjamin Akande, made it big in the United States as he became the 9th president of Champlain College.

The news of the appointment was made known on the school’s Twitter page on Tuesday, March 21, where people were asked to welcome him as he takes up the new role.

As part of his acceptance speech, he said he was very honoured and humbled for the opportunity to take the institution to a greater height.

It should be noted that Benjamin has a doctorate degree in economics and was before his appointment, the assistant vice chancellor for international affairs-Africa and the associate director of the global health center at Washington University.

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