Dear Class of 2023

Jelena Kovačević

Dean, William R. Berkley Professor

Dear Class of 2023, You made it!

You’re probably feeling an indescribable mixture of thrilled, excited, jubilant, and, let’s face it, relieved. Hold on to that feeling! You’re experiencing a moment like no other, and you’ll want to remember it forever.

I hope your time at NYU Tandon has been filled with many more moments to remember too. Think back to those times in your classes that you could sense your intellectual horizons expanding in new ways. Those times spent exploring Brooklyn, eating pizza, going to concerts, and simply hanging out with your friends. Those times you worked on a group project, looked around at your teammates, and realized you had found people who’d remain important to you for your entire life.

I’m sure that you sometimes had semesters that seemed

as though they’d last an eternity. We’ve all felt that way on occasion. But I can tell you from experience that when you look back, it will seem as though time passed in a flash. So live in the moment, and be aware of just how important each passing one is. After all, you’ll never live that exact moment again, but string them together, and you’ve built a life.

As commencement approached, I found myself thinking a lot about the lives you are building. As dean, I feel a sense of personal and professional pride when I consider your accomplishments. Even more than that, however, I feel optimistic. One of the joys of overseeing a school like Tandon is being surrounded by problem-solvers by nature. You’re part of a community doing transformational work to address the issues plaguing society, and you have the knowledge and tools to take real steps toward improving the world. I’ve had a front-row seat as members of your class found ways to make solar panels more efficient, helped design innovative new surgical tools, made the Internet more accessible to people with disabilities, and so much more.

Because of the work being done here, the world is growing more resilient and sustainable, better connected, healthier, and more equitable. I can’t think of better reasons to have hope for the future, and when I consider all you’re capable of, it’s impossible to be anything but optimistic. I hope you’re feeling as optimistic about your potential as I am.

I am also realistic: I know you’re graduating into a world that seems uncertain at times. But you’ve had the enormous benefit of a good education that has provided you with solid foundational knowledge in your field, taught you the importance of collaboration and outside-the-box-thinking, and positioned you to use technology wisely, responsibly, and in service to society. You’ve got this!

I love a quote from Sir Isaac Newton, who once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Today, at commencement, you might be sitting on folding chairs at the Barclays Center, but you’re standing on the shoulders of your professors and mentors. You’re being held aloft with the help of your family and friends. Savor this moment – and then take a moment to thank everyone who contributed to making it possible.

With admiration for all your hard work (and boundless optimism for what your future holds),

Jelena Kovačević

Dean, William R. Berkley Professor

Robert V. Jones, CISSP

President, Polytechnic Alumni Association

Dear Class of 2023,

Congratulations on your graduation from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering! Your commitment, focus and persistence have culminated in this outstanding achievement. It is with great pleasure that I join your family, friends, and the entire NYU community in celebrating your accomplishments!

I’ve been told the Class of 2023 numbers well over 2,000, and I’m honored to welcome all of you as the newest members of NYU Tandon’s Polytechnic Alumni Association (PAA). As you embark on the next stage of your lives, please stay in touch. Our Office of Alumni Relations hosts dozens of interesting and engaging events every year that will enable you to network with 65,000 members around the world and to remain connected to your alma mater. We look forward to having you and encourage you to explore the Violet Network, NYU’s official online community. Now, speaking of that next stage of life: you are entering a dynamic world that urgently needs you. May you find purpose and lifelong satisfaction in delivering technology in service to humanity. Incorporate compassion for the world and careful stewardship of its resources in all that you do, and carefully consider the impacts of your work, as I know your professors have encouraged you. I realize that the social implications of ChatGPT and other AI platforms have been much in the news lately, but whatever your field or area of specialty, do your work with an eye towards transparency, equity, accessibility, and ethics. Your dean, professors, and mentors expect no less of you.

You have had the benefit of learning from some of the world’s most respected scholars and researchers during your time at Tandon; today you’re lucky enough to have Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, as your commencement speaker. I can think of no one better to address you than a person who has changed the very face of engineering education in our country.

So, heed his words, follow the example set by your brilliant and dedicated professors, and go out and make your mark on the world. I predict great successes ahead!

Robert V. Jones, CISSP President, Polytechnic Alumni Association