WORCESTER, MA — Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) began its 148th Commencement celebrations with the graduate students’ ceremony on Thursday, May 12, awarding 739 master’s and doctoral degrees. This was WPI’s first-ever graduate commencement, a reflection of the growing stature of its graduate programs, which have expanded substantially-in size, diversity, and international recognition.
The following two Wilmington residents received master degrees:
- Danielle Beaulieu was awarded a master of science degree in physics.
- Zeyan Huang was awarded a master of science degree in electrical and computer engineering.
France Cordova, director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), addressed the graduating class and received an honorary doctor of science degree. As director, Cordova oversees the largest federal agency that supports research and education across all fields of science and engineering. She previously served as NASA’s chief scientist.
The crowd of more than two thousand also heard messages from WPI president Laurie A. Leshin and 2016 Graduate Commencement student speaker, Shaymus Hudson.
President Leshin made special note of the first-ever graduate commencement ceremony. “This is a critical and important moment in our history. Our graduate programs have grown significantly since 1898 when five esteemed students at WPI received their master’s degrees. Today we confer 740 graduate degrees, including 35 PhDs. We’ve come a long way.” Leshin also highlighted the 200 students receiving graduate degrees through the university’s corporate and professional education programs, saying, “I am especially proud that WPI has partnered with companies, local and global, to enable their employees to be lifelong learners-something so critical for success in today’s dynamic world.”
About Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI is one of the nation’s first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. WPI’s talented faculty work with students on interdisciplinary research that seeks solutions to important and socially relevant problems in fields as diverse as the life sciences and bioengineering, energy, information security, materials processing, and robotics. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university’s innovative Global Projects Program. There are more than 45 WPI project centers throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
(NOTE: The above announcement is from WPI via Merit.)
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