by Maryia Spirydonava and Melina DallaStella
The freshman class was officially welcomed into the Stevens family on Wednesday, while upperclassmen and faculty were recognized for their honorable achievements. The new students in the Canavan Arena watched as instructors and administrators dressed in black robes marched their way from the library through the doors of the Schaefer Gym. At the end of their trek, they sat in front of students who were just beginning to embark on their educational journey.
The event commenced with a brief introduction from Physics and Engineering Physics Professor Edward Whittaker, who then invited President Farvardin up to the podium. He emphasized how this year’s class is the most qualified it has ever been, saying (jokingly) that if he were to apply now, he would not be admitted into Stevens. “[This is our] opportunity to bring together our own galaxy of stars,” said President Farvardin as he introduced some of the guests who sat on stage with him. Farvardin wanted to emphasize that the most important people in the room that day were the new students. He wholeheartedly believes that this handpicked group of individuals will become innovators with the ability to accomplish great things. Farvardin stated, “Here in this room, among our students, lies the potential to change the world.” He also highlighted the dedication that the faculty and staff have for helping the students of this institution. “It is you that we are dedicating our lives to serve. It is you that our honored guests look to for a brighter future.”
Following President Farvardin, the students received a warm welcome from the mayor of Hoboken, Dawn Zimmer. While congratulating new students for their acceptance into Stevens, Mayor Zimmer said, “When you’re coming to Stevens you are not just going to be a part of the Stevens family, but you are also going to become a part of the Hoboken family.” Zimmer stressed the importance of having students in Hoboken, mentioning the different service projects that require the participation of the Stevens student body, such as the community emergency response team and micro-grid projects. Mayor Zimmer invited the new students to not only try new things, but to also experiment with their ideas.
Following the main speakers was the presentation of awards, beginning with the conferral of the Honorary Master of Engineering Degree to Jeffrey V. Nickerson, who possessed an impressive resume. President Favardin presented the award to Dr.Nickerson and Annmarie Rizzo of the Board of Trustees affirmed the degree. Provost and University Vice President George Korfiatis then took over the role of presenting awards to esteemed faculty who were recognized for their notable accomplishments in both teaching and research.
After faculty awards were distributed, the focus was shifted to student achievements, starting with the presentation of the official Class of 2019 Stevens banner. Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Marybeth Murphy stated several words and then welcomed the President of the Student Government Association, Matthew Hunt to speak to the incoming freshmen. He spoke of the numerous achievements that alumni had made of the years and encouraged new students, stating “We have big shoes to fill.” Hunt also declared that the faculty were only here to pass on the information, so it is up to the students to decide how to utilize the information. Hunt ended his speech with a challenge to the freshmen in attendance. “You’ve got the next year to do something big. What are you going to do?”
Hunt was followed by Honor Board Chair, Elena Piper. She discussed that many rely on words for expression, but it is one’s actions that should be even more defining. “We cannot be defined by words. Our actions, not words, define who we are.” At the conclusion of Piper’s speech, Murphy took to the podium and presented the remaining student awards, including the Robert H. Seavy to Kristen Romanowski, the Martha L. Kattwinkel Award to Joshua Negron, and the President’s Cup to the NCAA Champions Men’s Volleyball team. To conclude the event, all guests stood to follow the President’s Ensemble in singing the “Alma Mater.”
