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Rensselaer Holds 48th Commencement at Hartford June 4
The 48th Commencement at the Hartford campus of Rensselaer was held Saturday, June 4. The 324 graduates of the Class of 2005 celebrated with family and friends, along with the faculty, staff, and administration of Rensselaer.
The exercises began with a Hartford campus tradition: the academic processional led by bagpiper, Charles Murdoch. President Jackson presided over the ceremony. She and G.P. "Bud" Peterson, provost, conferred the master's degrees.
"Most of you graduates have faced — and overcome — challenges not often encountered by traditional students," President Jackson told the Class of 2005. "Despite the rigor of your academic programs, most of you have continued to work in highly demanding jobs, while, simultaneously, fulfilling obligations and responsibilities to your families. In spite of these very significant challenges, you have prevailed. You have balanced the many demands upon your time, your energy, and your intellectual and emotional strength. You are to be congratulated for your remarkable achievement."
John Casey '81, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat, delivered the Commencement address. He emphasized the importance of having the capacity to build and maintain personal relationships, and the need for emotional intelligence to complement expertise and technical knowledge. "Emotional intelligence is key to leadership development," Casey said. "Know your job. Know your people. Know yourself… Stand behind your values every day." Many leaders recognize product and performance values, but fewer understand people values, Casey told the graduates. "Harness creativity and the power of your people," he said.
Several awards were presented, including three to John Anthony, who graduated with an M.S. in computer science. Anthony was honored for his work at the 21st Annual Rensselaer at Hartford Computer Science Seminar Conference, for "Most Original Paper," and for "Most Outstanding Presentation." Anthony also received the Outstanding Student Award for Computer Science from the Department of Engineering and Science
Todd Gustafson, who graduated with an M.S. in electrical engineering, was presented with the Outstanding Student Award for Engineering, from the Department of Engineering and Science. Kelly Magnuson, who graduated with an MBA, received the Outstanding Student Award for Management from the Lally School of Management and Technology.
The ceremony was followed by a picnic luncheon on the grounds of the Hartford campus.
Photos by Tom Bittel and Robin Micket
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