Internationally
Speaking
Forty-one nations in addition to the United States are represented
by Rensselaer's graduates this year. Australia, Mexico, Vietnam, South
Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, China, Italy, and Pakistan are
just a few of those countries.
The Big 4-OH
As many as 26 students will graduate with a perfect 4.0 grade-point
average this year. That includes eight students who finished last
August or December, and 18 who were "in the running" for
the prestigious accomplishment as of early May.
Senior Giving
The senior class traditionally presents the Institute with a gift.
Past bequests have included a time capsule, a clock, and the granite
"Rensselaer" sign in front of the Student Union. This year,
the Class of 2002 has given $2,500 toward a wood cabinet that holds
a new 330-gallon saltwater aquarium in the lobby of the Student Union.
More
A Ticket to Ride
Jelani Cowan '02 asked for 35 Commencement tickets, because he has
a busload of relatives coming to graduation. Dozens of his family
members from North Carolina have chartered a bus to make the hike
to Rensselaer on May 18 to see their beloved relative cross the stage
to collect his diploma. More
Hot Jobs Are Where IT's At
Despite the economic turndown, Rensselaer students (most notably those
majoring in IT and computer science) are getting jobs. Jelani Cowan
'02, who will receive his bachelor's in information technology with
an emphasis on finance, recently accepted a $72,000 offer to work
for Texas Instruments' Wireless Connectivity Department. Stephen Horne
'02, a computer science major, has accepted a $60,000 job as a computer
programmer at Microsoft in Seattle. More
All in the Family
Sixty-one of this year's graduates are "Rensselaer legacies"—students
with relatives who are Rensselaer alumni. Jennifer Bernfeld '01 is
one such legacy. Bernfeld, who earned a bachelor's in electronic media,
arts, and communications from Rensselaer, will receive her master's
in technical communications at this year's Commencement. Her sister
and father also are graduates. The family regularly attends legacy
receptions and hockey events.
Rensselaer's Legacy program recognizes families for
their continued generational support, provides networking opportunities,
and helps legacies stay connected to the university through special
programs and events. Contact Susan Haight at ext. 6042 if you know
of a Legacy family.
Photos by Thomas Griffin
The
970 students expected to receive master's degrees include
357 from the Troy campus, 507 from the Hartford campus,
and 106 of whom have never set foot on either campus. The
latter completed their degrees through Rensselaer's Professional
and Distance Education program. 
