Rensselaer Magazine, September 2002: At Rensselaer

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Class of 2002 graduates braved the storm to join (center) Institute Board Chairman Sam Heffner ’56, President Shirley Ann Jackson, and Architecture Dean Alan Balfour at Harkness Field Commencement morning. Photo by Thomas Griffin.

Despite the Snow,
Commencement Goes On

A snowstorm on May 18?

That’s what Rensselaer staff, faculty, and soon-to-be graduates awoke to on Commencement morning. The decked-out and chair-covered Harkness Field, the planned site for Rensselaer’s 196th Commencement ceremonies, was covered with a thin blanket of snow.

Because of the unexpected storm, the ceremony was quickly moved indoors to the Houston Field House. Once the ceremony began, Rensselaer conferred 861 bachelor’s, 221 master’s, and 47 doctoral degrees to the members of the Class of 2002.

Rensselaer also conferred honorary doctoral degrees on civilian space traveler Dennis Tito ’64, moviemaker Bobby Farrelly ’81, genomics scientist Claire Fraser ’77, and Brown University President Ruth Simmons.

“Hope boldly, think huge, and pursue your passion,” said Tito in his Commencement address. Tito is founder and chief executive officer of Wilshire Associates.

“Despite the headlines, despite the reality of evil, despite all that you and your classmates around the world have been through — this world is more democratic, more free, more rich, and more safe than ever before,” said Tito, who made history as a much-publicized passenger on a Russian Soyuz rocket bound for the International Space Station.

Sixty-one of this year’s graduates were legacies — Rensselaer students with relatives who are Rensselaer alumni.

Rensselaer Magazine: September 2002
President's View	Your Mail	From the Archives	Hawk Talk	Class Notes Features

Front Page	At Rensselaer	Milestones
In Memoriam	Making a Difference	Staying Connected

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