Mercer Times

Genrietta Churbanova, an anthropology major from Little Rock, Arkansas, has been named the Princeton Class of 2024 valedictorian. John Freeman, a classics major from Chicago, has been selected as the salutatorian. The Princeton faculty accepted the nominations of the Faculty Committee on Examinations and Standing at its April 15 meeting.

Commencement for the Class of 2024 will take place at Princeton Stadium on Tuesday, May 28. Churbanova and Freeman are expected to give remarks at the ceremony.

Churbanova, described by her department as "a brave, caring and brilliant scholar," has been involved in scholarship related to Chinese and Russian relations. She is set to pursue a master’s degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing after graduating from Princeton. Churbanova's academic excellence has been recognized with various awards, including being named a Schwarzman Scholar and receiving Princeton’s Shapiro Prize for Academic Excellence.

On the other hand, Freeman, known for his research on the repatriation of Greco-Roman art, has been praised for his intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. His dedication to constant growth and his commitment to the study of the past have been highlighted by his professors. Freeman's senior thesis focuses on the complexities and communities of care surrounding Greco-Roman antiquities.

Both Churbanova and Freeman have been actively involved in campus life. Churbanova has been a head fellow at the Princeton Writing Center, while Freeman has served as a peer academic adviser and a member of the Disiac Dance Company. Freeman credits his Greek and Latin teachers for sparking his interest in Classics, leading him to pursue his academic path at Princeton.

As they prepare to graduate and move on to the next chapter of their lives, Churbanova and Freeman express their gratitude for the experiences and opportunities they have had at Princeton. Churbanova reflects on the diverse applications of learning at the University, while Freeman cherishes the sense of belonging and community he found through his involvement in extracurricular activities.

The achievements of Genrietta Churbanova and John Freeman stand as testaments to their dedication, academic excellence, and passion for their respective fields. Their contributions to the Princeton community have left a lasting impact, and they are poised to make significant strides in their future endeavors.