Fall Commencement celebrates diverse journeys of Trine University graduates

The scenes were typical, but the timing was new.

Hundreds of graduating Trine University students plus their families gathered Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics Inc. Athletic and Recreation Center for the first fall Commencement in many years.

The day featured the usual Commencement ceremony and address, with excited graduates snapping photos around campus in photogenic locations afterward, though the weather was a bit colder than May graduates typically enjoy.

Trine added the fall Commencement ceremony to accommodate growth in its student population, particularly in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. The event honored more than 1,300 master’s degree graduates from the college, with about 800 participating in the ceremony.

Focus and flexibility

Welcoming the graduates, Tony Kline, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs, acknowledged the many international students who made up the group.

“We gather here today, coming from backgrounds of various nations, each unique in our educational and personal journeys. We embrace the beauty of the diversity seated here in this ceremony,” he said. “We also embrace the singular focus that we all have in common: our desire to professionally and personally grow while seeking higher levels of education to make a difference in our workplace and in our communities.”

V.K. Sharma, Ph.D., dean emeritus of what was Trine University’s Allen School of Engineering and Technology when he served, began the Commencement address by noting the similarity between his journey and that of many of the graduating students.

“I came to the United States just like you, with the F-1 visa and I-20 from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor,” he recalled. “At that time, there was no internet. You couldn't see where you were going. You couldn't see what culture you would get into.”

He encouraged the graduates to be flexible as they continued in the workforce.

“Learn to improve your skills continuously,” he said. “Change is inevitable. Don't resist that change; use it to your advantage, whether you like it or not.”

“Your Trine diploma will open up opportunities and new horizons of success and prosperity not only for you, but also your families and extended families and communities, wherever you decide to settle. I wish you all the success; you have worked hard and I’m proud of all of you. Don’t change your dream. You are well equipped with it.”

‘Embrace your roots’

Following the presentation of degrees, Tim Raftery, president of Trine University’s Alumni Association, inducted the new graduates into the association.

Yancy Hansford, a 2020 business administration and MBA and 2021 Master of Science in Business Analytics graduate, presented the response for the Class of 2023.

Hansford noted that she, like many of the graduates, had traveled a long way in coming from her native Honduras to Trine University.

“You deserve a round of applause today, just to have the courage to take this step,” she said.

She encouraged those assembled to embrace their unique journey.

“Each of you has a story, background and a set of experiences that shaped who you are,” she said. “Embrace your roots, for they are the foundation upon which you build your future.”

Like Dr. Sharma, she also encouraged the graduates to be adaptable and embrace change, remembering that they always have the support of the Trine University community.

“Remember that success is not measured solely by personal accomplishments, but by the positive impact you make on your community and the lives of others,” she said. “Never forget where you came from and find ways to give back to those who helped you along the way.”

In closing, Dr. Kline congratulated the graduates on their accomplishment.

“We shall steadfastly stand behind as you seek your way in the world,” he said. “Remember, each of you will always have a home here at Trine University.”