Nicholas Johnson has made history! The Princeton University student has become the first black valedictorian in the Ivy League school’s history.
“Being Princeton’s first black valedictorian is very empowering, especially given its historical ties to the institution of slavery,” Johnson said.
Even more commendable, Johnson, 22, is graduating with a STEM degree majoring in operations research and financial engineering.
Although the Canadian native will not be able to walk for the 2020 commencement due to COVID-19 (a virtual ceremony will be held on May 31), he can find solace in his bright future.
In the summer, he will begin his internship at tech firm D.E. Shaw Group as a software developer and hybrid quantitative researcher. Once his internship is complete, he will start his PhD. program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
“It feels empowering. Being Princeton’s first Black Valedictorian holds special significance to me particularly given Princeton’s historical ties to the institution of slavery,” Johnson posted on Facebook. “I hope that this achievement motivates and inspires younger black students, particularly those interested in STEM fields.”
Johnson’s senior thesis focused on developing algorithms that would decrease obesity in Canada via community-based preventive health intervention.
Out of 5,328 undergrads, 419 or 7.9 percent are black, according to the New York Times. Johnson is documented as the first black valedictorian in Princeton University’s 274-year history.
