Kaitlyn McKenna of Deer Park, N.Y. is Valedictorian of C.W. Post’s Class of 2009

Brookville, N.Y. – Kaitlyn McKenna of Deer Park, N.Y., a straight-A student with two majors who aspires to a career in international relations, is the valedictorian of the Class of 2009 at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville, N.Y. She will deliver the valedictory address at Commencement on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2009.

McKenna is known for tackling big projects. Inspired by a semester abroad, she examined one of the most puzzling and troublesome situations in world politics for her college honors thesis: “North Korean Political Affairs as Impacted by Culture, History and Ideological Propaganda.”

She was only a freshman when she spent a summer studying in South Korea. As a sophomore, she interned with Senior U.S. District Judge Arthur D. Spatt. She is currently a paid member of Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi’s staff. She majored in both philosophy and political science and has never earned a final grade lower than A minus in her undergraduate career.

Her professors attested to McKenna’s ability to master complex texts, utilize them in the development of her own ideas, undertake research and develop cogent, effectively supported arguments. They also noted her interest in social justice and her awareness of the plight of the less fortunate, at home and abroad.

“Kaitlyn’s intellectual achievements, enhanced by personal qualities of integrity and commitment to others, stand forth as an example and inspiration for her peers,” said Dr. Roger Goldstein, chairman of the political science/international studies department at C.W. Post. “Her sensitivity to those given short shrift within the global as well as the local community affirm her possession of a personal ethos sorely needed in those identified as models for our society.”

McKenna studied Korean language, politics and law at Keimyung University in Daegu, South Korea as a member of the C.W. Post Honors Program. The experience sparked her interest in Korea in particular and world politics in general.

“One day, I hope to work with the United Nations to maintain and improve global peace-keeping operations,” McKenna said.

The valedictorian is selected by a committee comprised of faculty and administrators. Candidates are nominated by faculty members and judged on their G.P.A., number of credits taken in residence, a personal essay, recommendations and an interview with the selection committee.

Posted: March 31, 2009