For the first time in its 250-year history, Princeton University has named a black student as valedictorian.
Nicholas Johnson will graduate at the top of the Class of 2020 with a degree in operations research and financial engineering. He’ll be heading to MIT to begin PhD studies in the fall.
Johnson told CNN the honor “feels empowering”, and hopes he “motivates and inspires younger black students, particularly those interested in STEM fields”.
Unfortunately, Johnson will have to wait until 2021 for a live graduation ceremony – but he’ll take part in Princeton’s virtual commencement at the end of the month.
Princeton University has named its first black valedictorian in the school's 274-year — Nicholas Johnson, a Canadian student majoring in operations research and financial engineering. https://t.co/5IiQ4hWGOa
— CNN (@CNN) May 11, 2020
