The 146th Convocation, conducted on Wednesday, September 7, welcomed the Stevens freshman class of 2020 and recognized the achievements of faculty and upperclassmen.
Dressed in black robes, the administrators entered the Schaefer Gym filled with the formally-dressed students. President Nariman Farvardin began the assembly by acknowledging Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Trustee Annemarie Rizzo. He followed up with his welcoming speech “celebrating the launch of the new academic year.” President Farvardin commended the students and faculty for their passion and intellect. He noted that the Class of 2020 is the “most impressive” class yet, as he has “never seen an academic profile this strong” with “unusually strong statistics”. Furthermore, the business school grew by 41%, the College of Arts and Letters increased by 57% and the percentage of women rose by 30% in one year. President Farvardin encouraged involvement with internships and co-ops, sports and activity clubs, and study abroad. These opportunities help students have a well-rounded and successful experience at Stevens and allow students to “invent the future through [themselves]”. He closed his speech with advice for all the students, “Stevens provides a rigorous education, where students are encouraged to push their limits to create an environment to bring out the best of their potential. Stevens also offers help to navigate through the system, succeed, graduate and be ready for the future.”
Dawn Zimmer, the mayor of Hoboken, followed Farvardin by thanking the orientation students for their volunteer work in Hoboken. “Hoboken is your new home,” stated Zimmer. She encouraged all of the students to attend meetings for energy resiliency projects and Rebuild by Design. Both of these projects focus on protecting the city from flooding and other natural disasters. She told the students to explore and discover all of the restaurants, cultural, athletic activities in Hoboken. Zimmer concluded by congratulating all of the students and formally welcoming them to Hoboken.
Following the Mayor’s introduction, the President commenced the Conferral of Honorary Degree to Henry Du with an honorary degree in masters of engineering. Dr. Christophe Pierre, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the role of technology and innovation at Stevens. Pierre wished the students best for the next four years and stated that “as a newcomer, it was impressive to see the whole Stevens community come together.” He then presented the faculty awards.
Joseph DiPompeo, President of the Stevens Alumni Association, presented the Class of 2020 banner, and Student Government President, Matthew Hunt, gave his fellow students a challenge: “fill every day, every week, and every year with memories you will never forget.” Following his speech, Janelle Welkie, Chair of Honor Board, spoke of Stevens’ commitment to integrity. She explained that we are faced with challenges and choices, but “it is the choices we make in the face of these challenges that make the difference.” The goal is to maintain a community of trust and “students are just as accountable for preserving integrity as the administration.” She wished everyone an honorable academic year, and followed by leading the honor system pledge.
Marybeth Murphy stood at the podium and presented the student awards to various individuals and on-campus organizations. Concluding this commemorative event, the President’s Ensemble led all students, faculty, and guests in the singing of the Alma Mater.
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