2010 Commencement Student Speaker Nicole Immerso

Nicole Immerso believes in standing up for her convictions, and that is exactly what she did when she learned that students must earn high honors (a grade point average of at least 3.7) to be eligible to speak at commencement.

Immerso believed that there is more to school than just earning the highest GPA, so she began working within the system to change it. She did research, talked to the Honors Council and the Student Association and wrote to SUNY Plattsburgh President John Ettling. And before she knew it, the rules had changed. Now graduating students who have earned any level of honors (GPA 3.4 or higher) can submit a speech.

As elated as she was with the change, Immerso still had no idea that she would be selected as speaker. First, she, like everyone else, had to submit a speech. Stripped of names, the speeches were reviewed individually by the Honors Council and S.A. representatives. Then, votes were tallied and reviewed. Names were released only after the council had unanimously endorsed the outcome of the votes.

"The council was surprised and delighted that Nicole Immerso's speech was one of those selected, said Dr. David Mowry, SUNY distinguished teaching professor and director of the Honors Program. Nicole rose to the occasion by submitting an excellent speech, and we are very pleased with the outcome."

Through the process, Immerso learned much about herself and her school.

"I learned that this institution is set in place to make the students happy. I never realized how much they are 100 percent behind you, and they are going to support you in what you do, no matter how big it is or how small," said Immerso. "I also learned that if I set my mind to something, I have to persevere and go over those bumps and keep going. I learned that I have that drive."

In addition to being on the deans list and earning a GPA of 3.56, Immerso has served as vice president of the Eta Sigma Delta Hospitality Honor Society and Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society. She has participated in three Alternative Break programs, traveling across the country doing community service. She also has hosted Plattsburgh State TVs "Open Eye" and News Briefs; held several offices with Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority; served as a cheerleader; participated in Ringing Down the Curtain; and raised money for the Relay for Life and Up 'til Dawn.

Immerso plans to attend graduate school at SUNY Plattsburgh, working toward a Master of Science in Leadership. When she is finished, she would like to attend a culinary school and eventually open her own Italian cuisine restaurant in the Myrtle Beach area.

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