Interim Dean Dennis Groth hosted the celebration.
The celebration was online, but there is nothing virtual about the accomplishments.
The Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering honored its graduating Class of 2020 from a distance during its Virtual Celebration of the Luddy Class of 2020 May 7. Dennis Groth, interim dean of the Luddy School, hosted the event recognizing students earning their Ph.D. and master’s degrees in informatics, computer science, intelligent systems engineering, data science, and information and library science. Students earning their bachelor’s degrees in informatics, computer science, and intelligent systems engineering also were honored.
“Technology is about rapid change and learning to innovate to overcome obstacles,” Groth said. “These are the skills you’ve been given during your time here, and you have found yourself uniquely prepared to handle our current challenges. Whether you’re graduating with a degree in informatics, computer science, data science, information science, or library science, whether you’re earning your master’s or Ph.D., or are part of the first-ever intelligent systems engineering graduating class in IU’s 200-year history, you are leaving with the tools needed to adapt to any situation.”
Groth credited the Luddy School’s students, faculty, and staff for their quick adjustment during the COVID-19 outbreak that shifted classes online following spring break.
“The COVID-19 outbreak completely transformed our everyday lives in a matter of weeks,” Groth said. “I could not be prouder of the ways in which our students, faculty, and staff have adapted to our new normal.”
Kaitlyn Owens, who earned her Master of Science in Information and Library Science, spoke on behalf of the graduate students, reminding everyone to focus on all they have overcome.
“Think of how you were able to complete assignments that, at the beginning of the semester, seemed impossible,” Owens said. “Through weeks of learning and dedication—and cups of coffee—they became achievable. Remember that you are strong, you are resilient, and that you are capable of even more than you were at the beginning of your graduate school journey.”
Aidan Whelan, who is part of the first cohort to receive an undergraduate degree in intelligent systems engineering, represented the students earning their bachelor’s in informatics, computer science, and ISE.
“Our discipline has the ability to inspire in a way few others can,” Whelan said. “That same inspiration which led everyone here to pursue degrees in technology gives us the opportunity to spark the next generation of informaticians, computer scientists, and intelligent systems engineers. In this way, we satisfy the declaration we read each day on the walls of Luddy Hall: ‘We see tomorrow.’ ”
Graduates watching the ceremony via Facebook Live were recognized by having their names read while a slide, designed by the students themselves, were displayed. The ceremony was capped by a video featuring Luddy School alumni providing some words of wisdom, and a chat channel on Discord was made available to allow students to visit one more time.
Students or family members who missed the live ceremony can still see the event on our Student Recognition Celebration page. It also will be posted on broadcast.iu.edu. The Student Recognition Celebration program also is available.