Honors Alumna to Deliver Undergrad Commencement Address

Farquhar Honors College alumna Desiree Kennedy is an accomplished political professional dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. Since graduating from NSU in 2014 with a dual bachelor’s degree in political science and legal studies, she has led a robust career working in the political sector to influence change. This May, she returns to NSU to address the class of 2022 as this year’s undergraduate commencement speaker, an honor reserved for eminent individuals who inspire the graduating class as they enter the next stage of their lives.

Reflecting on her own time as an NSU student, Kennedy is grateful to the professors and mentors who supported her and the many opportunities she had to travel and explore her interests. Even as an undergraduate, she was committed to excellence and well-versed in turning her ideas into actions. Along with being an Honors student, she founded and led the highly accoladed Model UN team (NIRA) and served as co-captain of the Mock Trial team, both of which continue to thrive today. She also served as an Honors Advocate in the college, representing her fellow Honors students to improve the Honors experience, a sentiment she carries on today as a member of the Honors College Alumni Advisory Board.

“Honors built a community that I was really grateful to be a part of, and offered so many opportunities to branch outside of your majors/immediate interests to learn and experience new things,” said Kennedy, who was named the Farquhar Honors College Student of the Year in 2014. “Honors created new opportunities for me to learn and expand beyond my comfort zone, something that I think is an essential part of the college and, honestly, life experience.”

After furthering her education with a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University, where she graduated at the top of her class, Kennedy went on to lead an equally impressive professional career. She recently became Chief Operations Director for Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán of California’s 44th Congressional District, ensuring the efficiency and potency of the Congresswoman’s activities. Before assuming this role, she spent seven years working for a medical device company called Elekta, where she worked in government affairs and later assumed a leadership role managing the legislative and political strategy for the company.

In her commencement speech, Kennedy hopes to share the valuable lessons she’s learned throughout her professional journey and empower the next generation to also follow their dreams.

“It is such an honor to be chosen as this year’s commencement speaker!” said Kennedy. “My time at NSU really was invaluable to me, my growth, and helping to shape my future. I still remember my own commencement vividly. It is such a big day for graduates and their families, and to be able to play a role in the celebration of this year’s graduates is really outstanding. I’m very excited.”

Moving forward, Kennedy hopes to continue to create positive change and serve the various communities she’s part of, including the NSU community. Look out for her speech at this year’s commencement on Monday, May 2, in the Rick Case Arena in the Don Taft University Center.

Posted 04/28/22