Live at 6 | Class Of 2018 Commencement Speaker Announced

By Zachary Levine – SYRACUSE, N.Y. (CitrusTV) – Syracuse University has announced Kathrine Switzer as this year’s commencement speaker. Switzer is known for her work as an athlete, inspiration speaker, marketer, and most notably, the first female to run in the Boston Marathon.

Switzer ran the marathon at the age of 20, while in the middle of her junior year at Syracuse University. She was successfully able to enter the famous race by using her initials ‘K.V.’ on the application. This unintentionally, yet successfully, deceived race officials, due to its gender neutrality.

Early in the run, an official tried to push Switzer off the track, but was stopped by her boyfriend.

Switzer’s experience in the race inspired her to strive for greater opportunities for female athletes. She went on to create an international running circuit of women’s races, which was a key factor in the acceptance of the women’s marathon into the Olympic games.

“We are privileged to have Kathrine Switzer as Syracuse University’s Commencement speaker. Her story of determination as a young athlete and her work as an advocate for women in sports created much-needed change,” said Chancellor Kent Syverud.

The 2018 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 13th at 9:30 a.m. in the Carrier Dome.