The Commencement ceremony for the School of Engineering and Applied Science's Class of 2003 was an event celebrated in the name of rigorousness, inventiveness, rational thinking, and the man who embodied them all -- Benjamin Franklin, the engineer par excellence.
The ceremony, which took place at Franklin Field on Monday afternoon, started with the processional of the engineering graduates who were then followed by the faculty in full regalia.
Engineering School Dean Eduardo Glandt offered the opening remarks to the students and their guests, focusing mostly on the qualities that make engineers successful as individuals.
"Technology is the essence of humanity," Glandt said. "Today you join a tribe, that of those who like rigor, logic... and understanding how things work."
Glandt recounted the innovations that the Engineering School has achieved during the last four years, including the recent inauguration of Levine Hall. The imminent demolition work on Pender Laboratories to make place for Skirkanich Hall, the new bioengineering building was also mentioned.
At the conclusion of his speech, Glandt introduced the speaker for the graduation address, Engineering graduate Megan Smirti. She spoke about the new facilities that the school was now able to offer its students, but concentrated mostly on the "diverse and unique environment" that Penn Engineering offers -- a true rarity according to Smirti, and one that places it among the top engineering institutions.
"We are a result-oriented engineering team" Smirti said. "We are an excellent school because we create our own excellence."
