Commencement 2005

Honorary Marshal Robert Norton leads the processional across Earle Bridge.

WPI’s 137th Commencement was held on Saturday, May 21— it was the first to be led by President Dennis D. Berkey. During the outdoor ceremonies on a breezy spring day, the university officially conferred 616 bachelor’s degrees, 252 master’s degrees, and 22 Ph.D. degrees.

Keynote speaker Ray Kurzweil was commended for three decades as an inventor, entrepreneur, author, and futurist with the awarding of an honorary doctor of science degree. Robert L. Diamond ’56, who was recognized for his lifetime of innovation and entrepreneurship, most notably as the inventor of Caller ID, received an honorary degree of doctor of engineering, and Henry C. Lee, who was honored for his 46-year career as one of the world’s foremost forensics experts, contributing to more than 8,000 criminal cases, received an honorary doctor of science degree.

President Berkey presents an honorary doctorate to forensics expert Henry Lee.

In his address, Kurzweil described three great revolutions: in genetics, which promises new biotechnology techniques to extend life; in nanotechnology, which can be applied to areas such as solar research to meet future energy needs; and in robotics, which can be used to expand artificial intelligence at the human level.

Author and futurist Ray Kurzweil delivers the Commencement address.

He concluded his remarks by offering graduates advice for the future, noting that “in order to create knowledge, you need passion. You’re the only one who can determine your success or failure. If you have a passion ... see it through to success. And, never give in.”

Provost Carol Simpson, with the ceremonial mace.

After the degrees were conferred, President Berkey delivered a final message to the graduating class. “I am confident that you will live lives not only of high achievement, but of great personal satisfaction,” he said. “And do not go quietly. Question everything, remembering and using the critical skills that you developed in your classes and projects, and in debates with your faculty and fellow students. And despite Thoreau’s advice, pay attention to the ballot box as well as to the man on the street. You are well prepared to determine and contribute to leadership at all levels.”

For more about Commencement, visit the Commencement site.

transformations@wpi.edu
Maintained by: webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: Aug 25, 2005, 13:42 EDT