May and June bring a time of year that's cause for
celebration-graduation! This year I was privileged to
participate in the Institute of Technology's commencement
ceremony.
I marched with the faculty and helped Dean
Davis present an outstanding graduate, Deedra Thomas,
with the Paul A. Cartwright/IT Alumni Society Award.
What an uplifting experience! Although I wasn't graduating,
I felt as if I were attending my own commencement, and
in a sense I was.
In 1975, when I completed my course work at the University,
I had already been on the job at 3M for eight months.
Although I was pleased to have finished my studies,
I just wanted to move on and chose not to attend my
commencement ceremony. As the years went by, I regretted
my decision. A ceremony like graduation celebrates a
significant achievement and sets the stage for the next
phase of life.
I sat onstage in Northrop Auditorium as 600-plus graduates
filed by and the dean enthusiastically shook hands with
each one. I could sense the positive feelings emanating
from the faculty, students, parents, and guests. Afterwards
I mixed with an exuberant crowd of well-wishers and
graduates. What an exciting time to be part of the campus
community!
The experience reminded me again that we should take
the time to celebrate major milestones like graduation.
It's rewarding to see students reach their goals and
leave the University well prepared to take their place
in the world. IT has some remarkable students, as evidenced
by the outstanding candidates for awards.
The event also reinforced my reasons for volunteering
at the University. I'm proud that ITAS programs enrich
the student experience and that our dedicated volunteers
work hard to support the University's educational mission.
ITAS offers these new alumni a way to stay connected
to their alma mater and each other.
My experience as a volunteer has been very rewarding,
and I encourage everyone to find a way to support the
University. It's well worth the investment of time and
energy.
Because this is my last column as IT Alumni Society
president, I want to express my thanks to everyone who
made this year such a success. It's been a great year
working with wonderful people. Kristine Kosek and Andrea
Coronado of the IT dean's office and Bob Burgett of
the UMAA provided strong staff support. This year's
board made excellent contributions to the University
and the alumni society. The alumni relations committee
led our efforts to support the University through the
legislative network and public lectures. This year's
highlights include IT's superb mentor program, which
involved 201 mentors and 229 students, and the annual
Science & Technology Banquet, which raised more than
$20,000 in scholarship money.
Finally, I wish our incoming president, Dan McDonald,
the best of luck!
