Watson Commencement 2024: Grads urged to dream big, have courage and build a better tomorrow

More than 400 undergraduates and nearly 400 graduate students gathered with family, friends, faculty and peers to receive their diplomas at the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science Commencement ceremony Friday, May 10, at the Binghamton University Events Center.

University President Harvey Stenger told the graduates that he hoped Binghamton unlocked their passion for learning, no matter which path is ahead.

“We live in a world that needs engineering professionals who can think critically, analyze precisely, address complex ideas and solve difficult challenges,” he said. “We live in a world that is full of puzzles and finding answers will always be difficult. I am confident that the Class of 2024 will rise to these challenges, because I have seen as students how you’ve worked across disciplines as committed and engaged engineers.”

Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Donald Hall praised graduates as “truly remarkable students who have brought your intellectual curiosity, work ethic and sense of humor to bear throughout your time here.

“As you graduate from Binghamton, you will take with you what you have learned in your classes, through your internships and practica, from the student organizations you participated in and from the thousands of personal interactions you have had with those around you,” he said. “You will take all that you have experienced here and become change-makers.”

Watson College Dean and Distinguished Professor Krishnaswami “Hari” Srihari encouraged the Class of 2024 to be courageous and to continue learning as they head out to their careers or further education.

“Have the courage to pursue your passions, even in the face of uncertainty,” he said. “Have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, even when it’s not easy. And have the courage to fail, for it is through failure that we learn, grow and ultimately succeed.”

Srihari, who will step down as dean at the end of May, offered his gratitude to faculty, staff and especially students — whom he calls “our principal customer” — for their support during his 15-year tenure. He will return to the Department of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering faculty in fall 2025.

“Thank you for making Watson what it is,” he said to graduates. “Your impact as a student on our campus extends beyond the grades you achieved or the projects you completed. The time you spent in the classroom and outside of the classroom make Watson and our university great. And you will continue to do that as alumni of this premier institution. You will continue to thrive.”

Stenger praised Srihari’s leadership and achievements at Watson College, where graduate enrollment has increased by 103% since 2009, total enrollment is up 49% and the total faculty count has grown by 41%. He presented the dean with the University Medal, the highest honor bestowed by Binghamton University.

“Dean Srihari has been a tremendous leader, mentor and friend to so many at Binghamton University,” Stenger said. “This award is given to recognize truly great achievements and excellence and a distinguished commitment to the University.”

Govindasamy Viswanathan, founder and chancellor of the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in India, received a State University of New York (SUNY) honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the ceremony. He was honored for his strong background in educational administration as well as his humanitarian efforts and entrepreneurship.

In 1984, Viswanathan established the Vellore Engineering College, which became VIT in 2001. VIT now has four campuses and serves over 88,000 students from across the globe.

At Commencement, Viswanathan praised the joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and collaborative publications and initiatives that “have not only expanded the horizons of our academic endeavors but also fostered a spirit of global learning and understanding.”

“The endeavors, initiatives and contributions of Binghamton University to the higher education landscape has been quite impressive,” he said. “It has been a great pleasure meeting and interacting with the top leadership, faculty members and students of this amazing university. As chancellor of VIT, I know the importance and positive impact of collaboration and partnerships, and I am confident that such interactions will facilitate continued academic engagements.”

Viswanathan also discussed VIT’s many programs to uplift India’s underprivileged regardless of caste, creed or religion.

Alumni Association President Cara Treidel ’16 recalled how she felt when she graduated eight years ago and encouraged Binghamton’s newest graduates to remain connected to the campus.

“Our alumni community has been a tremendous source of support for me,” she said. “It’s why I’ve continued to be engaged with the University, and it’s why I encourage everyone else to be involved.”

Undergraduate student speaker Clara Rodriguez ’24, a biomedical engineering major with a Spanish minor, said her time at Binghamton has been “full of adventures.”

In fall 2021, Rodriguez was part of the inaugural cohort of the Watson College Scholars Program, which aids economically disadvantaged undergraduates with priority for applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds. She also was one of Binghamton’s first two Beckman Scholars and a Ronald E. McNair Scholar.

Rodriguez looked back on how she and her classmates — even during the COVID-19 pandemic — not only survived but thrived. Even when faced with tough classes and daunting exams, they made friends, gained mentors and shared experiences they will treasure.

“Looking to the future, there are many more adventures waiting for us,” she said. “Moving deeper into the unknown isn’t easy, but let’s not forget where we’ve come from and who we are. Every time you look in the mirror, you will see someone with the potential to change reality.

“We are the leaders of the future, budding professionals, daring dreamers and trailblazers. We change reality by bringing the world into a better tomorrow.”

Graduate speaker Basel Sultan, MS ’24, earned his degree in industrial and systems engineering through a research assistantship with the Watson Institute for Systems Excellence (WISE).

Originally from the Palestinian city of Hebron, Sultan is planning to pursue his doctorate and eventually teach at a college or university.

He offered heartfelt thanks to those who helped him and his classmates during their time at Binghamton.

“I am certain that you have had a mentor in your life,” he said. “Let us take a moment to express our gratitude to them and reflect on those moments when we truly needed their guidance and support, and they were there for us. Thanks for believing in us, for inspiring us and for guiding us on this incredible journey.”

Watson College’s PhD candidates graduated at a separate ceremony on Thursday.