WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
COMMENCEMENT CLASS OF 2012
PRIYANKA KATUMULUWA/WSN
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TABLE OF CONTENTS College of Arts and Science 4
College of Nursing 4
Gallatin School of Individualized Study 5
Global Liberal Studies 5
Leonard N. Stern School of Business 6
Polytechnic Institute of NYU 6
School of Continuing and Professional Studies 7
Silver School of Social Work 7
Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development 8
Tisch School of the Arts 8
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COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE Tuesday, May 15 | 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Beacon Theatre 2124 Broadway
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Beneath the brilliantly painted ceiling of the Beacon Theater, Acting Dean G. Gabrielle Starr encouraged CAS graduates to reflect on what they had accomplished during their time at NYU and asked them to store the good memories with the bad. Starr encouraged them to look back, to look forward and to be ready for what is to come in their lives. Valedictorian Jude Dworaczyk challenged graduates to strive to seize every opportunity given to them after they leave the theater to make the world a more open, considerate and understanding place. In his address, professor Paul Glimcher reminded students that it is easy to lose sight of their work and the insights they gained during their time at NYU, which he urged them to use after graduation.
GRADUATES
—JULIE DEVITO
“Always question. Always consider. Always examine.
Always struggle to find truth, insight and value. Be wise, and use the intellect that you have sharpened here to take care of all things. Choose carefully your doctrines of value and abandon none.” — Paul Glimcher, Faculty Speaker
PRIYANKA KATUMULUWA/WSN
COLLEGE OF NURSING College of Nursing celebrated its graduation ceremony, highlighting health care and the role of nurses in the world today. Keynote speaker Norman Volk, who serves on the college’s Board of Advisors, congratulated the students, reminding them of their talents and skills. Alumna Award recipient Christine Kovner related her own experiences at NYU to theirs while Humanitarian Award recipient Christy Turlington Burns emphasized the importance of nurses in health care in poor and rural areas that lack accessible care. On behalf of professor Diane McGivern, faculty member Madeline Naegle challenged graduates to pose health policy questions and find solutions. Student speaker Timothy Shi began by humorously diagnosing himself and discussed the amount of work and time students have put in to graduate.
Friday, May 18 | 9:30 a.m. The New Amsterdam Theatre 214 W. 42nd St.
452 GRADUATES
— DANIEL HINTON
“The pursuit of excellence is a lifetime endeavor. Go for it. We need you.” — Norman Volk, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the John A. Hartford Foundation and member of the Board of Trustees of the NYU College of Nursing
JAMES KELLEHER/WSN
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GALLATIN SCHOOL OF INDIVIDUALIZED STUDY Hundreds of diverse graduating seniors, their friends and family members filtered into the Beacon Theater to find inspirational commonalities that they lack in the names of their concentrations. Student speaker Stephen Brown used the voices of other students in his own speech to articulate the value of education that all students place on their individualized courses of study. Faculty speaker Ritty Lukose used the work of sociologist Karl Mannheim to highlight theories of generational gaps and fresh contact with cultures to supplement how students’ experiences have helped shape their inquisitive nature. Dean Susanne Wofford referenced works of poet William Wordsworth and writer Maurice Sendak, encouraging students to take ownership of nature to bring the wild within themselves. —HANNAH BORENSTEIN
“Gallatin is a place where you are from, a moment in the place of fresh contact with your inherited cultural heritage and [of ] fresh contact with the global present in which we live so as to help you define the problem with generations, for yourselves.” — Ritty Lukose, Faculty Speaker
Thursday, May 17 | 3:00 p.m. The Beacon Theatre 2124 Broadway
460 GRADUATES
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GLOBAL LIBERAL STUDIES
JAMES KELLEHER/WSN
Global Liberal Studies sent off its first graduating class this year. For the 11 graduates receiving bachelor’s degrees, commencement did not consist of purple robes, pomp and ceremony, but was an intimate gathering of 50 in the presidential penthouse with family, friends and faculty members. For the small but moving ceremony, the graduates each received their own round of applause. It was an occasion as much to congratulate as to give thanks. Dean Fred Schwarzbach and professor of philosophy Richard Foley thanked the graduates for being the pioneers of the program and defining the curriculum for future students. Class valedictorian Benjamin Murray also reminded his peers that in such a small program, their success depended on not only their own ambition and curiosity but also the guidance of faculty and family. —HANQING CHEN
“Four years ago we stood on the threshold of one of the most immense and enduring changes that our lives had ever undergone. Today, we find ourselves h.ere again. And again, we ask ourselves who are we, and what will we become? We are all the sadness and happiness that has ever washed over us. We are the questions that we have not been able to answer, and the answers that have left us wondering. We are changing, and we will always be changing. But we are one thing new. We are college graduates. We have seen the point where ambition meets achievement, and we’re moving on.” —Benjamin Murray, Valedictorian
Monday, May 14 | 11:00 a.m. President’s Penthouse 37 Washington Square South
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GRADUATES
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LEONARD N. STERN S CHOOL OF B USINESS Though the Rockettes did not perform, keynote speaker Chandrika Tandon gave an inspirational oration to Stern graduates and parents in Radio City Music Hall. Tandon, a successful businesswoman, a Grammy Award nominee and NYU Board of Trustees member, said she hoped the graduates would develop three traits throughout their lives: inner confidence, compassion in everyday activities and the ability to explore more dimensions of life. Student speaker Lisa Zhang reflected on the change that her class had faced during their years at the Stern School of Business, urging her fellow graduates to embrace the changes to come. —EMILY YANG
“Remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and wiser than you think, and the universe is conspiring to make you really successful.” — Chandrika Tandon, member of the NYU Board of Trustees, Chairman of Tandon Capital Associates, member of Stern’s Board of Overseers, Grammy nominee
Thursday, May 17, 10 a.m. | Radio City Music Hall 1260 Sixth Avenue
586 GRADUATES
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POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE of NYU
Far from the main Brooklyn campus of the Polytechnic Institute of NYU, its bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree candidates filled Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center to the resounding applause and cheers from friends and family. NYU-Poly President Jerry MacArthur Hultin described the hard work and passion it takes for students to be dedicated to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics as demonstrated by the Class of 2012. Senior vice provost for research at NYU Paul Horn, who spoke on behalf of NYU President John Sexton, said the university would not be the research institution that it is without the outstanding work that NYU-Poly students and faculty contribute to the community. Valedictorian Moshe Caplan in his address spoke of the great amount of learning and diversity he had learned during his four years, which taught him that failure is an opportunity for reassessment and improvement. Sam Pitroda, commencement speaker and adviser to the Prime Minister of India on information, infrastructure and innovations, discussed his own life struggles and experiences and highlighted the importance of technology and the sciences. Following the conferral of the degrees, the NYU-Poly graduates sang their Alma Mater and processed out. —Maximilíano Durón
“E ach o f u s
was brought up differently and are from many different cultures. We all have different world views, but most importantly, we have different ideas and thought processes. NYU-Poly brought us together to share our ideas and find solutions for the world’s most pressing problems.” — Moshe Caplan, Valedictorian
Friday, May 18 | 9 a.m. Lincoln Center Avery Fisher Hall
340 GRADUATES
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SCHOOL OF CONTINUING AND PROFESSIONAL S TUDIES
JAMES KELLEHER/WSN
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies commencement began with bagpipes, the national anthem and graduates clad in purple gowns. Bjorn Hanson, divisional dean of The Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management, emphasized that SCPS was a place to transition and continue carrying on whatever was inspirational. Richard Matasar, vice president for University Enterprise Initiatives, performed the salute to the Class of 2012, congratulating them on their achievement. Keynote speaker Greg David, director of the business and economics reporting program at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, spoke of people who made New York a better place, including law enforcement officer Bill Bratton who served as the main character of the anecdote. Student speaker Andrew Yearde encouraged his fellow graduates to be persistent even when faced with obstacles. Following the dean’s acknowledgment, balloons were released from a net about the degree recipients, showering them in purple and white. —Jordan Melendrez
“For many of you, it’s the beginning of the next phase of your thinking. Thinking about your academic life, thinking about your professional life and thinking about the things you can accomplish with the education you have received. Education in SCPS is about transition, a transition from your prior location to the place you are going to go. It’s a transition from one phase of your life to another. It’s a transition as you begin to take on responsibilities that are commensurate with someone who has attained a degree from NYU.” — Bjorn Hanson, divisional dean of The Preston
Monday, May 14 | 6 p.m. The Grand Hyatt Hotel 109 E. 42nd St.
286 GRADUATES
Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management at SCPS
SILVER SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Thursday, May 17 8 p.m. Avery Fisher Hall | 10 Lincoln Center Plaza
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GRADUATES
“Never box yourself in. Never accept the status quo. Always challenge yourself to do something new. Always try to figure out how you can change society and make society a better place because you’re social workers. And you’re graduates of NYU ... In social work, you have an unlimited opportunity out there to change the world, to change yourself, but more importantly, to change society.” — Dennis Walcott, chancellor of New York City Department of Education
Excited cheers and applause filled the Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center for the 2012 convocation for the Silver School of Social Work’s largest-ever graduating class of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates. Dean Lynn Viedka reminded students that their profession is one of the most noble. Students waved pom-poms and stamped their feet as keynote speaker Dennis Walcott, the chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, spoke about his experience in social work and reminded graduates to challenge themselves and to work toward changing society every day. Student speaker Elizabeth Fritz emphasized that skills, passion and knowledge of graduates in the field of social work will lead them to success. —NICOLA PRING
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STEINHARDT SCHOOL OF CULTURE, EDUCATION, AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Tuesday, May 15 | 11:00 a.m. Radio City Music Hall 1260 Sixth Avenue
728 GRADUATES
RACHEL KAPLAN/WSN
A kaleidoscope of colors set alight Radio City Music Hall where family, faculty and friends saluted this year’s graduates of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. Hundreds of future teachers and musicians, dancers and doctors, singers and songwriters stepped across the stage to carry forward their knowledge to the world. In their speeches, associate dean of student affairs Patricia Carey and associate professor Kevin McCoy stressed the importance of understanding a new age in which digitalization was changing the methods of communication. They encouraged students to find new ways to connect, assuring them that their relationships, old and new, would be their reinforcements and solace in the years to come.
“Look around you. Look at the friends who stayed up with you during
those all-nighters, who attended your recitals and your critiques, your exhibitions and your poster sessions. Who held your hand when your heart was breaking. Who consoled you when you didn’t get the internship or the practica you wanted. Who stayed with you and pulled you back together when you made a complete fool of yourself, and then made you laugh ... As you leave us, try to touch lives different from your own. Challenge yourself to make new friends, different kinds of friends. Step outside your circle of connection. Move beyond your digital contacts, and embrace friends in far away places.”
—AMY ZHANG
— Patricia M. Carey, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Associate Vice Provost for Diversity Programs
TISCH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS Fearlessness, collaboration and passion were the themes at the Tisch School of the Arts’ Salute to the Class of 2012. NYU chief of staff and deputy to the president of NYU Diane Yu discussed the importance of artistry in uplifting people’s lives. Student speaker Jennifer Kinney of the Photography and Imaging program reminded fellow graduates that they are new to the real world and have new and exciting experiences yet to come. Dean Mary Schmidt Campbell spoke passionately about the importance of taking risks in the arts. Noted film, theater and television director Michael Mayer spoke honestly and humorously to the proud graduates, their families and friends about his experiences at NYU as well as the importance of staying connected to and collaborating with fellow classmates and artists. —NICOLA PRING
“ N ow i s a m agical t ime.
A magical time in your life, a time when your passions are hot and molten and alive. And if you follow those passions, if you pour them into whatever choice you make, armed with your super-special Tisch advantages, one choice after another, your passions will lead you to a life of purpose.”
Friday, May 18| 3 p.m. Radio City Music Hall 1260 Sixth Avenue
855 GRADUATES
— Mary Schmidt Campbell, Dean of the tisch school of the arts
RACHEL KAPLAN/WSN
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Class of 2012 Commencement Wednesday, May 16 | 11 a.m. Yankee Stadium 1 E. 161 St.
The three decks of Yankee Stadium rippled and rolled as thousands of violets from the Class of 2012 waved to friends and family members across the stadium. Dusky skies only added to the great stateliness of the event and hushed the throng as the first speaker took the stage to address the crowd. United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor spoke of the connection among dares, challenges and opportunity; the drive of curiosity and the importance of dreaming big. NYU President John Sexton reminded students of their indelible role in the NYU community. In her address, student speaker Alexis Cohen discussed the simplicity of happiness, encouraging her fellow classmates to realize the infectiousness of a smile. With the performance of The Reality Show: NYU, the 180th Annual Commencement drew to a close. —AMY ZHANG
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“W e h ope t hat y ou w ill c arry
within you the indomitable spirit of NYU, and we want you to know that you’re always a part of us, even though you’re not physically with us. And in those inevitable moments when your spirit flags, we invite you to come home, to return to this place, to touch its greatness, to sense its soul. In doing so, to recharge … and if you need it, to ask for a hug.” — John Sexton NYU President
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“ I h ope t hat y our e ducation
has helped you not to be afraid to admit that you don’t have all the answers. … Every one of you has had a moment in your time at NYU when a new thought, insight or piece of knowledge excited you. Find more of those moments. The key to success is continuously maintaining an ever-present curiosity, openness to and joy in learning new things.” — Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court Justice
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