2023 NYU Tandon Convocation

CONVOCATION PROGRAM

PROCESSIONAL

New York University Pipe and Drums Corps

MC

Rosemary E. Ampuero, Associate Dean of Student Life & Services

DEAN’S WELCOME

Jelena Kovačević, William R. Berkley Professor and Dean, NYU Tandon School of Engineering

WELCOME REMARKS

Rafael Rodriguez, Associate Vice President & Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs, New York University

GUNTER GEORGI AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING GENERAL ENGINEERING DESIGN

Presented by Industry Assistant Professor Ingrid J. Paredes, Director of General Engineering

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI REMARKS

Robert V. Jones, President of the Polytechnic Alumni Association (PAA)

STUDENT COUNCIL REMARKS

Henry Wang, President of the Tandon Undergraduate Student Council (TUSC)

CLOSING REMARKS

Rosemary E. Ampuero, Associate Dean of Student Life & Services

VIDEO PRESENTATION

A NOTE FROM DEAN JELENA

Welcome to NYU Tandon! It has been more years than I care to admit when I sat where you’re sitting now: on the cusp of a major new stage of academic life, preparing to embark on an entirely new path of learning and discovery. But I can still remember how I felt as though it were yesterday. To say there were butterflies in my stomach might be an understatement. While I was certainly nervous, I was much more thrilled for the many possibilities now open to me here in Brooklyn, be they meeting new friends or the exciting new discoveries to be made around every corner.

At Tandon, we know that complex problems require complex solutions–and that those solutions often take outside-the-box thinking that breaks down silos and requires collaboration across multiple disciplines. We call what you’ll be learning here “unconventional engineering”–delving into areas where different knowledge bases and skill sets come together in novel and innovative ways. You’re now part of a school that will never require or expect you to merely stay in your own narrow lane. Here you’ll work at the intersections between data science and health, sustainability and AI, cybersecurity and wireless communications . . . wherever you choose. Join a club or get involved in one of our entrepreneurial opportunities: many Tandon students have formed successful companies even before graduating. Consider joining our Vertically Integrated Projects program, which will allow you to take part in realworld initiatives so big and so important they span almost your entire time here. Your professors, advisors, and I are here for you as you continue on your academic path. That path is going to have twists and turns, I’m sure, and I can’t wait to see where they lead you.

For now, I’m thrilled they’ve led you to Brooklyn. I hope you’ll consider the borough itself a living classroom and lab, and, more importantly, your home. You can probably tell that we’re pretty proud to be located in such a dynamic place; the only thing we’re more proud of is you and your peers who make up this incoming Class.

So welcome to Tandon and welcome to Brooklyn. In other words, welcome to what will probably be one of the most enriching and exciting times of your life.

GUNTER GEORGI AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING GENERAL ENGINEERING DESIGN

ChessBot

Natalie Baigorria

Yue Huang

Gerardo Elguezabal

Christopher Mendoza Brasil

Virtual Saxophone

James Arsenault

Bree Choi

The EGlove

Adonis Garcia

RoboChess

Alexander Escobar

Nathan Rampersaud

Summer Oh

Commuter Clock

Riley Dou

Maximilian Ta

Faith Villarreal

Hermes Lens

Calvin Clizer

Abdul Qureshi

If you are interested in joining the NYU Pipe and Drums band, please contact John Henderson at jh15@nyu.edu.