John Shefrin, of Scottsdale, was named the Graduation Marshal during a recent graduation ceremony at Auburn.
(Photo submitted by John Shefrin)
Allison Kotzbauer | Independent Newsmedia
Scottsdale resident John Shefrin was honored at Auburn University’s Fall 2025 graduation ceremony on Dec. 13, 2025, for his academic excellence, leadership and commitment to the school.
Shefrin was awarded the title of Graduation Marshall for the Harbert College of Business because of his many academic accomplishments during his college career as well as his involvement in the college of business.
Shefrin completed his Auburn degree in just three and a half years, earning a double major in finance and accounting while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.
During his time at the university, he held leadership roles such as vice president of Beta Alpha Psi and volunteered as a peer tutor mentor for the University’s free tutoring program. He also supported students as a tutor for the National Association of Black Accountants and was a teaching assistant for introductory level accounting classes.
Shefrin attributed his success partly to the foundational education he received at Desert Mountain High School and the opportunities the school provided to get a jumpstart on college credits.
“There were a ton of opportunities for advanced placement credits as well as dual enrollment credits through Scottsdale Community College,” Shefrin said. “That was great in accelerating my academic career forward so I was actually able to take on the double major.”
Shefrin also met his long-term girlfriend at Desert Mountain High School, who he said helps fuel his drive toward his academic pursuits and his service in the community.
“She has really helped me in managing my time, being able to avoid burnout and really motivates me through service,” he said.
Shefrin’s girlfriend works with children with autism in Tempe and Chandler as an ABA therapist, and seeing her passion and community involvement has inspired Shefrin to find ways he can serve his own community, he said.
“Seeing her and her commitment to service and the community has been a big driver for me,” he said.
Challenging himself academically has been a constant for Shefrin throughout his life and he carried that ambition to university.
“I’ve always been somebody that, no matter the stakes, I have wanted to push myself academically,” Shefrin said.
That determination to always give his all led to Shefrin’s nomination as Graduation Marshal by the faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi, a recognition that came as a shock to him.
“It was honestly a bit of a shock,” he said. “I was extremely surprised.”
Following the honor of being named Graduation Marshal, Shefrin is turning his focus toward professional goals and life back home in Scottsdale.
Shefrin plans to return to Scottsdale and take time to study for his Certified Public Accountant licensing and spend time with his family.
Shefrin does not have immediate plans to settle in Scottsdale permanently, but hopes to return in the future to raise a family in what he considers the “perfect” place to do so.
“It’s been home for well over 12 years now,” Shefrin said. “Scottsdale will always be home.”
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Keywords
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