Class Day Information
Class Day is a student organized event for the baccalaureate degree candidates of Emory College, Goizueta Business School, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, and the School of Medicine (Medical Imaging Program). Traditionally, the event is held on the Thursday before Commencement and features a student-selected keynote speaker as well as the presentation of class gifts, and awards. It precedes the Emory Senior Class Reception, Candlelight Crossover, and dessert reception.
Open only to the graduating seniors from Emory College, Nursing, Business (BBA), and Bachelor of Medical Science. No RSVP required, but seating is limited.
Keynote speaker - Adam Richman 96C
Adam Richman grew up in the food mecca of New York City and began his love affair with food early on, sampling all of the diverse culinary specialties The Big Apple had to offer. From samosas to sushi, even at a young age, Richman had a desire to taste it all.
Years later, as an undergraduate at Emory University, Richman began a food journal to document the standout food establishments he was discovering throughout the Southeastern U.S. Though he majored in international studies, his love of all things edible naturally drew him into the culinary world after graduation. Subsequently, he built a solid resume working in nearly every echelon of the restaurant world, from coast to coast and from the counter to the kitchen. Though he never trained professionally, Richman gained invaluable on-the-job experience in the various restaurants where he worked. After earning a master's degree in fine arts from Yale University's School of Drama, Richman traveled the United States acting in many regional theatres. The nature of his work allowed him to feed his appetite for the best local dishes across America - all of which found their way into his food journal.
In 2008 Richman began hosting Man v. Food for the Travel Channel, which quickly became the channel’s highest-rated show. With Man v. Food Nation he not only hosted but co-executive produced the series. He is executive producing his next two series for the Travel Channel as well - Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America will premiere in June 2012 and Adam Abroad will premiere in the fall of 2012.
Richman’s first book, America the Edible (Rodale Publishing), hit stands November 9, 2010 and his second book, Quest for the Best (Clarkson Potter), will hit stands in the fall of 2013. Richman is a regular contributor for the Today show, board member of the Armed Services Foundation and popular lecturer on the college circuit. In 2009 and 2010 he won the CableFax award for Best Host. Aside from TV, Richman has acted in numerous theater productions in New York. He currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Awards presented during event
Boisfeuillet Jones Medals
These medals were established, designed, and initially endowed by DVS Senior Society to honor Boisfeuillet Jones, a DVS alumnus and one of Emory's most prominent and distinguished graduates. Representing what was special and unique about Jones, recipients are selected for their good citizenship, outstanding leadership, devoted service to Emory and the community, academic performance, and potential to become a 'Change Agent' in their chosen profession and society at large.
Brit Katz Senior Appreciation Award
Honored for his devotion to students and for serving as role model, leader, and friend, director of residence life R. Britton Katz was recognized at the first Class Day celebration in 2003. The Brit Katz Award, a wooden bowl, is presented to an administrator or staff member selected by seniors for his or her service as role model and friend to the senior class, for participation in the Emory community beyond his or her professional duty, and who is deemed worthy of special recognition. The award is sponsored by the Ducemus Senior Society.
