On Friday, March 30, the office of graduate admissions hosted 90 accepted graduate students to participate in the Graduate Accepted Students Celebration. According to George Robbins, director of graduate admissions, “this was the largest attendance we’ve had since the inception of the GASC event.”

The diverse group of students (including several international students) arrived early Friday morning from all over the United States, and the GASC kicked off with a welcome breakfast in the CBIS auditorium. Jim Nondorf, vice president for enrollment, welcomed attendees.

Throughout the morning, talks were given by Dr. Lester Gerhardt, vice provost and acting dean of graduate education and Barbara Ruel, director of diversity and women in engineering programs. Speakers acquainted guests with Rensselaer’s rich history, its people, programs, research, and the opportunities available.  

Accepted graduate students, whose academic and research interests are representative of all of the schools, also had opportunities to interact with their potential peers during the afternoon poster session where current graduate students showcased their research.