Howell, N.J., Resident Delivers Valedictory Address at Manhattan College’s Spring Commencement

Manhattan College student Jennifer Player, a resident of Howell, N.J., and a 2013 graduate of the Master of Business Administration program, delivered the valedictory speech on May 18 at the College’s Spring Commencement.

“It is a honor and privilege to be the valedictorian for this year’s Spring Commencement,” Player said. “To me, being valedictorian is more about how I inspire and motivate the fellow graduates towards a new beginning, while preserving the values and lessons instilled in us from Manhattan College.”

Player received her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Manhattan College in 2012. In addition, she participated in the Argentina Overseas Program with the Association of International Studies in 2011. She will begin full-time as an audit associate for O'Connor Davies in the fall.

As an undergraduate, she worked with the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program providing free tax services for those in need. A mentor in the Manhattan College Mentor Program, she was also a teaching assistant with St. Veronica’s Religious Education program. Player served as the president of Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting, finance and computer information system honor society, this past year and has also been vice president.

“I had the distinct pleasure of teaching Jennifer at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She was an academically superior student who distinguished herself as a leader in class discussions. I considered her a role model for her fellow students,” said Patricia Sheridan, J.D., assistant professor of business law.

On the Dean’s List since 2010, Player received the Pauline and Werner Bothe Memorial Accounting Scholarship in 2008. She has also worked as an accounting intern with Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP since 2011.

During her address, she said, “Do not let dreams end here today in this gymnasium, at this commencement ceremony. The world today is filled with many moral, social and economic challenges. Yet if we continue to dream and dream big, we will make a difference. We can be the next great generation.”

Player along with more than 200 students graduated from the Schools of Business and Engineering with master’s degrees, bachelor’s and master’s degrees to students from the School of Continuing and Professional Studies; and master's degrees and professional diplomas to students from the School of Education and Health. Students who completed their studies in September 2012, February 2013 and May 2013 are participating in the ceremony.

Bernard P. Pierorazio, superintendent of the Yonkers Public Schools, delivered the keynote address as the honorary doctorate recipient.