Congratulations, Class of 2018

On May 15, the Barclays Center in Downtown Brooklyn was once again a sea of NYU violet — from the flashing graphics on the overhead screens to the robes being proudly sported by the world’s newest engineers, technologists, and innovators who comprised the NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Class of 2018.

All told, the school conferred 576 bachelor's, 1,340 master's, and 40 doctoral degrees this academic year. Before graduates walked the stage at Barclays to receive their much-deserved degrees, they were addressed by an impressive lineup of speakers — each of whom imparted sage advice, bits of wisdom, and words of tribute.

From the first rousing notes of the NYU Pipes and Drums ensemble to the soaring national anthem sung by 2018 Management of Technology grad Alison Abbington, it was evident that no one does pomp and pageantry better than NYU. And with the stirring words of the speakers, it was clear that no one does inspiration and encouragement better either.

Moments to Cherish

Words to Inspire

Katepalli Sreenivasan

Dean of NYU Tandon School of Engineering

Tandon Class of 2018, I have great confidence that you will acquit yourselves very well. I feel confident because you have set your inner compass in the right direction; you have embraced the ethic of hard work; learnt teamwork without sacrificing your individuality and the freedom to think differently from others; you know how to overcome set-backs; you have assimilated our School’s culture of diversity; and you believe that a sense of gratitude is better than the feeling of entitlement.”

Myriam Sbeiti

Class of 2018 Valedictorian

When I first started this school, I had a single motto: do it on your own and no one can take it away from you. But now I know better. Alone we can do so little but together we can do so much.”

Andrew Hamilton

President of NYU

You are our anchor in Brooklyn and are positioning NYU at the forefront of a major technology and innovation center. This is possible only because of the strength of Tandon’s students, faculty, and researchers. . . . You’ve soaked up the energy of NYU and given back as engaged citizens with talent, ingenuity, and boldness.”

C.D. (Dan) Mote, Jr.

President of the National Academy of Engineering and recipient of the Polytechnic Medal

Great contributions in any field are made only at the edges. The frontiers never lie in the middle. . . .Think about getting out at the edge some of the time.  Give yourself a chance to become a great contributor.  Think about how much risk you are willing to take. Listen to your heart if your brain feels full.”      

Chandrika Tandon

Chairperson of the NYU Tandon Board of Overseers

You have given us cause to dream today. We are dreaming that you will find ways to make the world better: that you will solve the climate crisis, prevent diseases, build incredible infrastructure, and launch ethical, worthwhile enterprises. We dream that you will do all this while leading happy, fulfilling lives.”