On May 2 at 4:30 p.m., a “random Thursday afternoon,” many Seniors celebrated the end of their careers at Stevens. A procession of a couple hundred students, led by flag bearers Joyce Lin and Attila, commenced from Palmer Lawn to Babbio following the path alongside the UCC and Davis Hall in a tradition known as the Wittpenn Walk. The walk concluded with the Senior Toast, hosted by Student Affairs.
For many Stevens classes, the walk begins years prior to its conclusion as first-year students walk upwards on Wittpenn Walk to begin Convocation and downward four years later. As Stevens notes, “The Wittpenn Walk tradition symbolizes the start and end of a student’s academic career at Stevens.” However, for a majority of the class of 2024 this walk was their first. This year’s event held particular significance due to the unique circumstances faced by the graduating class, notably the disruptions caused by the pandemic. With missed milestones such as proms, high school graduations, and traditional orientation activities, the Wittpenn Walk served as one of the few opportunities for seniors to celebrate tradition and come together to commemorate their achievements.
Although the event was overall received warmly by those in attendance, some members of the senior class saw the walk as an empty gesture or as insufficient considering all the other Stevens experiences which they missed out on due to COVID. Many instead focused on the cheers of the crowd of the students and faculty who lined Wittpenn Walk. Notable attendees in the crowd included President Farvardin, Provost Qui, and CS Department Chair Naumann. The Senior Toast commenced upon the seniors arrival into Babbio with complimentary refreshments provided.
At the Senior Toast, speeches were given by Dean of Students Nilsen, Dean of Undergraduate Education Riskin, Dean of STEP Berkley, Vice President Klein, Director of Annual Giving Klob, and Professors Dr. Chun of HASS and Dr. Rabinovitch of Mechanical Engineering. The speeches, while difficult to hear past the enthusiastic conversations echoing around Babbio Atrium, focused on the students’ accomplishments thus far and (assuming finals go well) celebrating the fact they were finished. The speeches also took time to highlight the importance of giving back as an alumni, through time, networking, and funding – emphasizing the importance of an engaged Stevens community in the continued improvement of the institution.
Congratulations to all the graduating seniors and may this not be your final walk through these hallowed halls of the Old Stone Mill.
