Congratulations Class of 2024
Convocation Speaker Randal Pinkett Exhorts the Class of 2024 to Create Positive Change
Family and friends joined by members of the Rutgers Board of Governors and Board of Trustees, members of the School of Engineering Industry Advisory Board, alumni, school deans, and faculty, celebrated the Class of 2024 at the School of Engineering (SoE) Convocation. The May 10 event at Jersey Mike's Arena recognized the more than 800 graduating seniors who had completed their studies across 10 engineering disciplines. A keynote address was presented by alumnus Randal Pinkett, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of BCT Partners, who thirty years prior had served as the student speaker for the SoE Class of 1994.
“Today we are celebrating our students and all that they have accomplished,” said School of Engineering Dean Alberto Cuitiño in his introductory remarks. “They acquired a solid technical and academic foundation; they participated in innovative research; they expanded their knowledge as interns with some of the nation’s leading companies; and they developed leadership and communication skills. Most importantly, they each discovered a passion for a particular field of engineering.”
He also reflected on the unique circumstances that impacted the graduates. “The global pandemic was in full swing during your first year, so your first taste of college life was experienced through a computer screen. However, despite this historic disruption, you adapted and persevered. You faced these challenges and forged ahead as problem solvers – like the engineers you aspired to be. As you embark on your professional life, I am confident you will continue to succeed.”
President of the engineering student body Katie Lynch and biomedical engineering student Sidhanth Shakelly were the Class of 2024 convocation student speakers.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Rutgers Engineering Trailblazers
As the captain of Rutgers’ men’s track and field team and the first African American Rutgers graduate to receive a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford, and a true engineering trailblazer, Pinkett urged his soon-to-be fellow graduates to “tap into the mindset of a Rutgers trailblazer” by understanding that “your engineering degree at Rutgers has given you all the tools you need to venture into uncharted territory.”
While charting their courses, he advised the Class of 2024 not to let anything or anyone limit their possibilities and to use their education to improve the conditions of today’s world.
“You must keep the welfare of our global community top of mind regardless of the path you pursue. Never underestimate your ability to create positive change. Never doubt the fact that you can and will be a force in shaping the world we will live in tomorrow. And never question the fact that you can make a difference,” he said.
Commencing a Lifelong Connection
Commencement marks the beginning of a lifelong network of connection between graduates and the School of Engineering through Rutgers Engineering Alumni (REA). Parth Oza, the current REA president welcomed the Class of 2024 to the group before recognizing Meghna Angara (biomedical engineering, Maria Galkin (chemical engineering), Andrew Hoefele (civil engineering), Logan Pasternak (electrical and computer engineering), Emanuel Meshoyrer (industrial engineering), Megan Bynoe (materials science and engineering), Sarah Terracina (mechanical and aerospace engineering), and Katie Lynch (Engineering Governing Council president) as recipients of REA’s annual Outstanding Student Scholar Awards.
The convocation celebrating the School of Engineering’s 110th graduating class concluded by conferring the Bachelor of Science degree to each member of the class – and with well wishes for their future.
