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Commencement 2005: Learning and Working in a Global Community
 Despite the demands of a rigorous academic schedule, many graduating students at Rensselaer have carved out time to communicate across cultural boundaries and lead in the global community at Rensselaer and beyond. Some of the most accomplished members of the Class of 2005 are leaving the Institute having left their mark by creating opportunities for others to better understand and celebrate cultural diversity.
“The Rensselaer community truly is reflective of the global environment that leaders must learn and work in, and our rich diversity offers an education in and of itself,” said Eddie Ade Knowles, vice president for student life. “Through academic efforts, and community service initiatives many of our students work to expand cultural experiences and awareness for the entire community. Rensselaer generates its vitality from the multiple perspectives of student leaders dedicated to making a difference in our global community and beyond.”
Electrical engineering major Shi-Huey Chen from Exeter, N.H., helped co-found Asian Awareness Weekend at Rensselaer, a collaborative effort involving several Asian clubs and organizations. The weekend event explores Asian culture and experience both in the United States and abroad from the perspective of students. Chen believes that “planting the tree” for Asian Awareness Weekend has helped to foster increased opportunities for learning and sharing the diversity of Asian cultures.
Marija Kuzmanovic, from Skopje, Macedonia, is graduating with a degree in ecological economics, values, and policy, and turned a class project into a social mission on campus. Committed to the idea that consumers can purchase quality products while assisting the economies of developing countries, Kuzmanovic worked to incorporate this "Fair Trade" model into dining services at Rensselaer. She was a leader in organizing a student effort to bring 'Fair Trade' coffee to several campus dining locations. “I think that understanding the “Fair Trade” model is important to anyone who aspires to be a true global citizen, and I am sure most of the students at Rensselaer do,” says Kuzmanovic.
Architecture major Shefali Sanghvi, from Westbury, N.Y., was born in Gujarat, India, but raised in the United States, and recalls the challenges of having a dual identity. “I am someone who is torn between two cultures, where I am too Indian to be American, and too American to be Indian,” said Sanghvi. “At times it is a struggle trying to find where one belongs.” To find an answer, Sanghvi chose to study architecture, using issues of culture and identity as a guide in designing plans for building sustainable communities. She has participated in international competitions and study abroad programs. Following graduation, Sanghvi will travel to Ahmedabad, India, to continue research on designs for sustainable housing for slum communities, which was the focus of her senior research project.
“The development of innovative, educational experiences comes from engaging all segments of the community in a process that celebrates diversity,” said Kenneth Durgans, vice provost for institute diversity. “Members of the campus community are encouraged to contribute to this flow of ideas and experiences that lead to understanding, respecting, and valuing differences, while effectively mobilizing similarities to achieve a common objective. The ability of today’s student to grasp new ideas and concepts that flow from diversity will be vital to the success not only of the individual but of the larger environment in which they will continue to make such contributions.”
Press Release
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