Merit Pages News
(May 21, 2024) — James Clemente of Killingworth, who majored in Mechanical Engineering, was awarded a Bachelor’s degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s 155th Commencement in Worcester, Massachusetts on May 10, 2024. More than 1,100 undergraduate degrees were awarded during the ceremony.
WPI President Grace Wang told the graduates that in a changing world, where new technologies and industries are rapidly emerging, and where they could be doing jobs that have not yet been invented, they should dream boldly, persevere, be team players, and enjoy the journey.
“WPI has prepared you for this future,” Wang said. “During your time here, you have been immersed in a transformative, leading-edge and inclusive environment to ready you for jobs, careers, and, also, exciting opportunities to come.”
Student speaker Samuel Levitan, a biology and biotechnology major, weaved Commencement history into his speech, reminding the audience that Black educator, reformer and intellectual Booker T. Washington gave WPI’s 50th Commencement address in 1915, speaking about America’s transformation since the end of slavery. Levitan also talked about the sense of belonging instilled in WPI students, who balance a STEM education with a formative personal experience.
“To learn about cutting-edge technologies and scientific discoveries at WPI takes an open mind,” Levitan said. “But no matter where you go and no matter what you do, an open heart is just as important. Remember that you belong wherever that may be, and that the people around you are counting on you to believe that they belong, too.”
