Poly welcomes class of 2011

Greeting the class of 2011 at a convocation on the MetroTech campus, President Jerry M. Hultin challenged the new scholars to invent, innovate and shape the future. “Poly will open your life,” he said. “We are on a mission to change the world and we invite you to join that mission.”

Anton Fyodorov, a Ft. Hamilton High School graduate, and one of the over 400 students attending the event, is looking forward to beginning his studies. “Poly’s outstanding reputation in mechanical engineering is what drew me to the school,” he said. “My father is an engineer and I know I will get a great education at Poly.”

Advising the new students that Poly is a place to exercise their brain, Provost Erich Kunhardt, the University's chief academic officer, outlined the four characteristics of the Poly community: imagination, knowledge, action and involvement.

Dianne Ramkishun ’08, president of the Student Council, echoed the provost’s remarks urging the students to work hard and play hard. “Join an organization, get involved…..enjoy the full college experience.”

Faculty members who participated in Poly’s undergraduate summer research program were honored at the convocation.  Physics Professor Edward Wolf was presented with the Jacobs Excellence in Education Award.

Following the convocation, the class of 2011 joined the Poly community in celebrating the accomplishments of the undergraduate summer researchers at an exhibition of their work. They then enjoyed a barbecue and met with school administration, faculty and staff to kick off the new academic year.