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Mark Nzasi and Yifan “Ivan” Shen will serve as the 2025 Senior Class Marshals, Syracuse University’s Student Experience Division announced in a Tuesday release.

The Class Marshal is responsible for leading their class during commencement and recommending the speaker, according to the release.

“Woven throughout the tapestry of Nzasi’s and Shen’s undergraduate careers are their shared passions for academic excellence, campus involvement, personal development and community support,” said Rob Hradsky, vice president for student engagement in Student Experience, in the release.

Nzasi is a neuroscience and psychology junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program, a Coronat Scholar, a 2024-25 Remembrance Scholar and a Sanofi U.S. Scholar.

“I would not be here today if not for my family and the incredible Orange community that’s supported me and always challenged me to be better each and every day,” Nzasi said in the release. “I’m excited to give back to this community and advocate for my peers.”

Shen is a junior studying architecture and music history and cultures in the School of Architecture and the College of Arts and Sciences. He is a member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program, a 2024-25 Remembrance Scholar and a Maxwell Citizenship Scholar.

“My years at Syracuse University witnessed the possibility of a non-fluent English speaker from a totally different background becoming a campus leader,” Shen said in the release. “Being selected as a senior class marshal demonstrates the University leadership’s success in making the campus an inclusive environment where international students like me can find ways to grow and thrive.”

In addition to commencement duties, the two marshals will meet with university leadership to suggest insights based on their student experience, represent their class at events and network with alumni, according to the release.

“Serving as honorable representatives for the Class of 2025 will only further amplify a positive impact on the student experience now and into the future,” Hradsky said.

Published on April 23, 2024 at 3:51 pm

Contact Griffin: gbrown19@syr.edu