UMass Dartmouth celebrates Class of 2015 College of Nursing, College of Engineering, College of Visual & Performing Arts, and School for Marine Science & Technology
Today UMass Dartmouth held its Commencement Ceremony for the College of Nursing, College of Engineering, College of Visual & Performing Arts, and School for Marine Science & Technology. The College of Nursing is made up of 121 students (111 undergraduates, 10 graduates). The College of Engineering is made up of 303 students (227 undergraduates, 76 graduates). The College of Visual & Performing Arts is made up of 159 students (135 undergraduates, 34 graduates). The School for Marine Science & Technology is made up of 11 graduate/PhD students.
"The time we have spent together here at the University has been a gift for all of us," UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Divina Grossman said. "You know that you have learned a great deal from your faculty, your mentors, and your fellow students, but did you know that we have also learned much from you. We implore you to keep using your talent, intellect, and energy to show us all a better way forward."
United States Senator Edward J. Markey, a consumer champion and national leader on energy, environmental protection and telecommunications policy, received the Chancellor's Medal and delivered the keynote address at the Commencement exercises for graduates of the College of Engineering, College of Nursing, College of Visual & Performing Arts, and School of Marine Science & Technology.
Senator Markey has a prolific legislative record on major issues across the policy spectrum and a deep commitment to improving the lives of the people of Massachusetts and the United States. On the issues of climate change, clean energy, safeguarding privacy, nuclear non-proliferation, investor protection or preserving an open Internet that spurs competition and consumer choice, Senator Markey stands up for the priorities and values of Massachusetts. While serving for 37 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Senator Markey fought for his constituents throughout his Congressional District. As Dean of the Massachusetts delegation in the House, he worked to harness the energy and influence of his colleagues on behalf of the entire Commonwealth. Elected to the Senate in a special election in June 2013, Senator Markey is bringing his experience, energy and expertise to advocate for all the people of Massachusetts.
"In the coming months, the immediate pressures might seem overwhelming," Senator Markey said. "Even with all those pressures, find a way to stay connected to the passions that led you here today. Find a way to payback the help you received to accomplish what you have today- work for human rights, for the environment, mentor a young person who needs help. For every selfie you take, consider what action you can take selflessly, because it is you who will change the world."
New Bedford Festival Theatre Executive Producer Armand Marchand and Artistic Director George Charbonneau were presented with Chancellor's Medals at the multi-college Commencement ceremony in recognition of the contributions to the cultural landscape of the region. Marchand and Charbonneau, both retired teachers, recognized early on that education in both the performance and technical areas of theatre is a valuable source of inspiration for young people. The Theatre, therefore, early on created internship and apprenticeship programs for young people.
Since being established in 1990, the New Bedford Festival Theatre has presented more than 20 summers of musical productions that have entertained more than 200,000 theatre-goers. The theatre has received national recognition for productions such as La Cage aux Folles, Nunsense, Evita, Maurey Yeston's Phantom, The Pirates of Penzance, Forever Plaid, Crazy for You, Joseph...Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, West Side Story, South Pacific, Annie, Oklahoma!, Chicago, Peter Pan, Smokey Joe's Café, Jekyll & Hyde, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Cabaret, Oliver, Cats, 42nd Street, The Producers, Gypsy, Hair, A Chorus Line, Hairspray, Singin' in the Rain, The Sound of Music and the upcoming Mary Poppins.
Engineering student Tejendra Patel '15 delivered the student address at the combined ceremony. Tejendra Patel's unyielding positive spirit has allowed him to excel inside and outside the classroom. Tejendra, from New Bedford, Massachusetts, is a Computer Engineering major with a minor in Mathematics who put his education to work throughout his time at UMass Dartmouth. During his freshman and sophomore year, he interned at software design and development company Nextdrift Technologies as a full stack web developer. The Commonwealth Scholar was also a member of the Indian Student Association his sophomore year, helping organize the annual Diwali celebration on campus. In his junior and senior years he continued on the experiential learning track with a co-op at EMC and an internship at Akamai Technologies as a user experience engineer. After completing his summer internship at Akamai Technologies, Tejendra accepted their offer of a full-time position as an interaction engineer.
"Taking initiative is a quality shared by us Corsairs. This is who we are," said Tejendra. "My parents' words constantly inspire me to go beyond what I am capable of. If you've got the talent, it's fully within your power to nurture it. You can improve individual skills if you're willing to spend time. Most importantly, you're not limited by what you're provided with. You're limited by what you think is possible."
To watch the Commencement in its entirety, visit umassd.edu/commencement/watchonline. UMass Dartmouth's 2014 Commencement is over three days with four ceremonies. This year's undergraduate and graduate ceremonies will take place May 15-18, 2015. The UMass Dartmouth Class of 2015 is made up of 1,923 (1427 undergraduates; 440 graduates) students. The Class of 2015 represents 235 Massachusetts communities, 28 states, and 30 countries.
UMass Dartmouth distinguishes itself as a vibrant public university actively engaged in personalized teaching and innovative research, and acting as an intellectual catalyst for regional economic, social, and cultural development. UMass Dartmouth's mandate to serve its community is realized through countless partnerships, programs, and other outreach efforts to engage the community, and apply its knowledge to help address local issues and empower others to facilitate change for all.