“Class of 2009, we are awesome!!” proclaimed valedictorian Michael Bertucci as he addressed administration, faculty, families, friends and his fellow graduates at the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony yesterday.
The weather was perfect and DeBaun Athletic Complex was filled with proud well-wishers honoring the Class of 2009. David Ladd spoke to the graduates, imparting valuable advice for the transition from school to the “real world” and quoted the popular Dr. Suess book Oh! The Places You’ll Go. Then Michael Bertucci took the podium, speaking of the extensive accomplishments of this year’s class, and encouraging his peers with the advice that as long as everyone keeps their eyes open to all possibilities, they will have much success.
Degrees were then conferred on 427 students by their respective Deans, as friends and families cheered them on. Following the recession, a reception was held on the lawn of the Schaefer Center honoring the newest crop of Stevens alumni.
Dave
Barker is a 5/5 senior, a term used by many students at Stevens
Institute of Technology, denoting participation in the cooperative
education program. Dave chose to do a five-year college plan,
alternating semesters of study with real-world paid work experience.
Roughly 600 students are currently enrolled in Stevens’ co-op program,
meaning about 40 percent of the undergraduate student body opt to do
this five year combination of classes and corporate experience, with
150 employers to choose from.