Samueli School Class of 2019 Commences
July 9, 2019 - UC Irvine granted 10,323 degrees to 9,403 undergraduates at its 54th Commencement in June 2019. More than half of those bachelor’s degrees were awarded to first-generation college students.
The Samueli School kicked off its festivities Thursday, June 13 with the Commencement Celebration on Engineering Gateway Plaza, where seniors displayed their design project posters and prototypes for friends and family. Samueli School Dean Gregory Washington congratulated the students for their successes so far and a job well done.
Washington and Associate Dean Michael Green led students in the Order of the Engineer oath at an induction ceremony in which the Anteaters promised to uphold the profession’s standards and dignity and accepted a steel ring to wear on their pinky finger. Washington invited John Stupar, a longtime engineering school lecturer, to join in the induction ceremony. “Stupar was part of the original group that started this badge of recognition in the United States in 1970 with the first ring ceremony at Cleveland State University,” explained Washington.
Stuper, who is retiring this year after 25 years of teaching, shook everyone’s hand as they put their hand through a large symbolic ring. “I always participate in this ceremony. This is a great class.”
In the afternoon, Washington welcomed faculty, students and their friends and family for the Senior Honor Society Stole Ceremony and reception. “Thank you for joining us to celebrate our students’ outstanding achievements,” he said. Five nationally recognized societies presented members with honor stoles and cords that would adorn their commencement regalia.
And on Friday, June 14, the Samueli School of Engineering held its Commencement Ceremony, where it awarded 870 bachelor’s degrees and 117 master's degrees.The school awarded 71 doctorates at a hooding ceremony on June 15. Aicha Evans, chief executive officer of Zoox, an autonomous vehicle tech firm in Silicon Valley, was the keynote speaker. Evans is one of the few African Americans running a tech startup and the only woman CEO among three dozen self-driving car companies, according to Forbes.
“I encourage you to look at the path less traveled, to think big, think transformative. You are the ones who will carry the next wave. Congratulations and go take on the world,” said Evans.
UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman told the Anteater Engineers that he hopes they think of UCI as having cultivated their mind and spirit, prepared them for ongoing development as free and educated human beings and empowered them to push the world a little more toward the light. “For as you know, the great motto of the University of California is ‘let there be light’. You are the light and the hope of the world. We are hopeful of the future because we know that we can count on you,” said Gillman.
Student speaker Ani Sarkissian addressed her peers. “It’s been a wild ride, but through it all, we have learned to manage our time, work with others and change the way we think and solve problems. We have gained knowledge, skills and opportunities to grow. And that has shaped us as leaders, innovators and change makers,” said Sarkissian, who will begin her career as a civil engineer at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power while also pursuing a master’s degree.
Sarkissian encouraged the students to appreciate those who helped them get to their graduation day and not forget to thank faculty, family, friends and mentors. “With all these tools in our toolbox, we are now equipped to give back to the Anteater community that shaped us. Let’s get ready to move mountains, make some noise and dance like no one is watching. Congratulations, we did it!”
Watch the 2019 Samueli School of Engineering Commencement Ceremony
For photos, see our Facebook albums for Commencement Ceremony, Commencement Celebration and Stole Ceremony.
– Lori Brandt
