On a beautiful sunny day, Indiana University Auditorium was alive with the energy from members of the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering’s Class of 2023.
Nearly 2,000 guests gathered to recognize more than 1,100 members at the two ceremonies for the Graduation Recognition Celebration.
In addition to recognizing the accomplishments of the graduates in and outside of the classroom, students were praised for their resiliency and adaptability in overcoming the challenges of a global pandemic; they were reassured that, even during difficult economic times, all companies need difference-making technological expertise and the graduates’ creativity and technical skills were game changers.
Luddy conferred bachelor’s degrees incomputer science,informatics, data science, andintelligent systems engineering, as well as master’s degrees incomputer science,informatics,data science,human-computer interaction,information science,intelligent systems engineering,library science, andsecure computing. Ph.D.s incomputer science,informatics,information science, andintelligent systems engineeringalso were awarded.
“You are all so resilient and have come through so much,” Luddy School Dean Joanna Millunchick said. “What this degree does is not only make you technically excellent, but socially aware. That’s your superpower. I know that as you go forward, you will take those two skills, bring them together and do something amazing.
“You’re leaving with so much more than what you learned in the classroom. You’re leaving with the tools needed to adapt to any situation.”
Graduation isn’t the end of learning, Millunchick added.
“You still have work to do. It’s up to you to keep learning, keep doing research, keep staying at the forefront of what’s going on.
“We recruited you for your potential. We taught you how to be resilient, how to respond quickly to challenges. You’ve answered these challenges and earned your degrees.
“Now all of us at the Luddy School are your biggest fans.”
Bobby Schnabel, Luddy School dean emeritus, addressed the master’s and Ph.D. students. He mentioned the emergence of generative artificial intelligence and ChatGPT.
“Things change dramatically and quickly in the tech world,” he said. “Generative AI is one of the bigger and more influential of those changes, but there have been so many big and unexpected developments over the years, and will continue to be so.”
His overall message -- expect, embrace and create.
“Expect change. Embrace it. It’s part of what makes tech careers fun, and creates opportunities. Some of you will create that change, small or large. That can be the most fun and rewarding.”
Schnabel ended with a quote from Shakespeare’s Hamlet -- “To thine own self, be true.”
“Live your life not just for your job, but in ways that are true to your values.”
Scott Dorsey, the managing partner at High Alpha and a renowned entrepreneur and Kelley School of Business graduate, addressed the undergraduate audience. He encouraged them to boldly seek opportunities.
“You are prepared for them. Have your eyes and ears open for the best ones, and go for it. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.
“The best way to prepare for the future, is to create it. I look forward to seeing the future you create for yourselves and all of us.”
Student speaker Jenny Chou, who is graduating with a master’s in human-computer interaction, talked about the challenges international students face by coming to another country and culture to pursue their dreams. She said nervousness indicates progress and growth.
“It takes courage to step out of our comfort zones,” she said. “It is this courage that brought us here today.
“Don’t let fear hold you back. Never be ashamed of trying.”
Sid Rath, who is graduating with his B.S. in computer science, encouraged graduates to always keep their dreams alive and never forget the journey that brought them here.
“We are a class of thinkers, dreamers, innovators, designers, entrepreneurs and technologists,” he said. “Our hunger for excellence, combined with our dreams, can be the keys to making the world a better place.
“Don’t let anything stop you from achieving your dreams. Continue to dream big and impact the world. Use your skills and expertise to push forward products and services that make a difference in people’s lives.”
The Luddy School is all about making a difference. Congratulations to the Class of 2023!