New York Times Best-selling author Samira Ahmed, AB’93, MAT’93, has been named guest speaker for the University of Chicago’s Class Day Ceremony on Friday, June 3. The celebration kicks off Convocation Weekend and will amplify the achievements of College graduate students, while highlighting the importance of their resilience in times of uncertainty.

Ahmed is the author of Love, hate and other filters; Internment; Crazy, bad and dangerous to know; hollow firesand the Amira and Hamza series, as well as a Ms. Marvel comic book miniseries. Her poetry, essays and short stories have appeared in numerous publications, and she is co-editor of the forthcoming anthology, Magic has no borders. Ahmed has also taught high school English in Chicago and New York, worked in nonprofits, and participated in political campaigns.

“It is an incredible honor to be invited back to the University of Chicago as a Class Day speaker and to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2022,” Ahmed said. “My experience at the College was truly transformative: it was there that I learned the importance of developing not only a passionate mind, but also an inquisitive mind. Where I understood the power of cultivating a growth mindset, the cornerstone of continuous learning. And, despite what the T-shirt says, I had a lot of fun as an undergrad.

While in college, Ahmed earned his bachelor’s degree in English with a joint MAT English degree while teaching at Oak Park River Forest High School and researching his master’s thesis. Outside of class, Ahmed was a member of the South Asian Student Association, the Muslim Student Association, and served on its dormitory council.

“Samira’s writing pushes the boundaries of traditional representation in literature, joining careful research with new voices and characters,” said John W. Boyer, Dean of the College. “Like a New York Times A bestselling author, Samira has inspired the imagination of readers of all ages. Our students graduating from the College will benefit from his insights as they prepare to make their own contribution to our public life.

Ahmed joins a list of distinguished alumni who have served as Class Day speakers, including U.S. Representative Andy Kim, AB’04; Rebecca Jarvis, AB’03, award-winning journalist and podcast host; Valerie Jarrett, former senior adviser to President Obama; David Brooks, AB’83, columnist for the New York Times; and Otis W. Brawley, SB’81, eminent cancer researcher.

This year’s class day celebration is scheduled for 2 p.m. on the main quads.

The University is currently planning to hold the 2022 Convocation events in person. If public health and safety conditions related to COVID-19 require alternate planning, the University will notify the community as soon as possible. Please continue to check the Moving Forward Website for the most up-to-date safety information and health protocols.

—This story was first published on the College website.