Worcester Polytechnic Institute Celebrates Commencement Ceremony

From WPI: On Saturday, May 13, on the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) campus quadrangle, over 1,000 bachelor's degrees were awarded during the university's 149th commencement ceremony.

• Rebecca Seymour of Marlborough, Mass., was awarded a bachelor of science degree in biology and biotechnology.
• Jennifer Bombard of Marlborough, Mass., was awarded a bachelor of science degree in biology and biotechnology with high distinction.
• Alicia Aquino of Marlborough, Mass., was awarded a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering with high distinction.
• Derek McMaster of Marlborough, Mass., was awarded a bachelor of science degree in computer science with high distinction.

Jessica DiPersio of Marlborough, Mass., was awarded a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering.

This year's undergraduate address was given by Rodney Brooks, chairman and chief technology officer of Rethink Robotics. He urged them "to focus on three nouns: compassion, contribution, and community" as they chart their course through life, and to be open to the ability of others to enrich their lives in unexpected ways. He asked students to always look for ways to contribute and to maintain their WPI community connections while also continually building new communities through their work and other interests. "Don't scrimp on community," he said.

During the ceremony, Brooks received an honorary doctor of science degree, and Donald Peterson '71, a longtime member and former chairman of the university's Board of Trustees, received an honorary doctor of engineering degree.

WPI president Laurie Leshin, in her remarks to the class of 2017, congratulated the students for their accomplishments and for making the journey that "takes many twists and turns. Leshin concluded her remarks with a challenge to the students was to not only do well in their careers and for their families, but to do good throughout their lives.

Image Via Pixabay