Congratulations, Class of 2024
The Columbia Engineering community came together at the Baker Athletics Complex for Graduate and Undergraduate Class Day, where students celebrated their academic achievements alongside friends and family.
Graduate Class Day, on Sunday, May 12, featured a hooding ceremony for doctoral students, a historic first. Additional highlights included inspiring addresses from Graduate Class Day speaker Philippe Wyder and keynote speaker Kittu Kolluri, founder and managing director of Neotribe Ventures. In his remarks, Kolluri reflected on his journey from a middle-class family to running his venture firm, advising the class of 2024 to “be honest with yourself about your capabilities and values and follow your genuine interests — the opportunities will take care of themselves.”
Undergraduate Class Day, on Monday, May 13, featured remarks from Stella Lessler, senior class president, and valedictorian Andrei Coman. Seniors then heard from Disney Imagineer and alumnus Lanny Smoot BS’77, MS’78, who shared his journey from studying at Columbia Engineering to becoming a prolific inventor.
Smoot offered tips for navigating life after graduation, spotlighting the importance of students taking responsibility for their own futures.
“You are prepared and armored for success,” said Smoot. “Do good for yourself and do good for others. And above all, enjoy what you do.”
Although graduates and undergraduates celebrated Class Day separately, Dean
Shih-Fu Chang addressed both audiences with a similar message: to carry the spirit of Columbia Engineering wherever their careers take them.
“The challenges of our time may be overwhelming, but the spirit of a Columbia Engineer is deeply optimistic,” said Dean Chang. “As 21st century engineers, you are prepared to draw on your technical expertise and broad knowledge to develop solutions that will have a positive impact.”