Senior Speaker: Chris Padro

Chris Padro is a fourth year Theatre and Performance graduate from Larchmont, New York, and she is so excited to be this year’s senior speaker!

During her four years at Purchase, Chris has dedicated her time to collaborating with her peers and fulfilling her passion for the arts. She was happy to be a part of three mainstages, two senior projects (including her own), and one independent production. She has also collaborated with people outside of her major, appearing in one short film for the BFA program and another for a student led anthology project called The Storyboard.

Chris took interest in being the Senior Speaker this year to give a voice to the students who aren’t usually represented in commencement speeches. She wanted to talk about the average student experience at Purchase that most students can relate to.

Over the years to come, Chris hopes to pursue a career in acting! She’ll be spending this summer at a sleepaway camp as a bunk counselor, working alongside her amazing girlfriend. After that, she will be moving back in with her parents while she auditions for acting jobs, and saves up for her own apartment.

She would like to give many thanks to God, along with everyone who has supported her on her journey to this day.

To my parents, big sister, and the rest of my family: Thank you for shaping me into the person I am today. There is nothing I can do without you, and I’m grateful every single day that I have you in my corner no matter what.

To Kori and Lilly: I love you both so much. Even though you’re not graduating with us today, I wouldn’t have gotten here without either of you. Don’t let your last year here be too sad without us! We’ll be back to visit way too often.

And to Milan, Julie, and the rest of my friends graduating alongside me today: We did it. I’m so honored to know you, and so proud that we made it here in one piece. But don’t think you can get rid of me this easily. I’ll always be here for you. I love you and congratulations!!