Since its creation, Princeton University, the nation’s fourth oldest college, has never had a Black valedictorian until this year. Nicholas Johnson is the university’s first Black valedictorian since it was founded in 1746.
“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 told CNN. “I hope that this achievement motivates and inspires younger black students, particularly those interested in STEM fields.”
Johnson, from Canada, studied operations research and financial engineering. His senior thesis centered on establishing algorithms to create a community-based, preventative health intervention to curb obesity in Canada. Princeton says it can also apply to public health interventions developed to increase compliance with strict social distancing amid COVID-19.
As for Johnson’s future plans, this summer, he will intern at D. E. Shaw Group, a global investment and technology development firm as a hybrid quantitative researcher and software developer. In the fall, he’ll start his Ph.D. studies in operations research at MIT.
Although he won’t be able to participate in a traditional graduation, Johnson said he’s still grateful for the relationships he has developed.
“My favorite memories of my time at Princeton are memories of time spent with close friends and classmates engaging in stimulating discussions — often late at night — about our beliefs, the cultures and environments in which we were raised, the state of the world, and how we plan on contributing positively to it in our own unique way.”
Photo: Lisa Festa, Center for Career Development / Princeton University
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