June 19 holds a lot of significance for Lorne Mlotek (CivE 1T3). On the back of his watch, once owned by his grandfather, it is inscribed ‘June 19, 1955.’ It’s also the date of his birthday. And now, it’s the date he proudly graduated from U of T Engineering.
“I’m really happy to be graduating. I was terrified four years ago, because I knew I was going into the best engineering school with the best engineering students – and I was right. But I had a great time and I made it here today,” said Mlotek, who is now focused on creating his very own start-up company.
Mlotek is one of the Faculty’s approximately 1,500 newest alumni who celebrated the end of their academic career – and new beginnings – during two ceremonies at Convocation Hall yesterday. Among them, 932 undergraduates and 569 graduate students earned degrees (261 receiving MEng degrees, 203 obtaining MASc degrees and 105 earning PhD degrees).
“Today we celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of the U of T Engineering class of 2013 …You are here today because you rose to the challenge. You met and you exceeded our expectations,” said Dean Cristina Amon in her Convocation address.
She also spoke about the impact alumni have made after graduating from U of T Engineering. “The graduates of our Faculty have made remarkable contributions that have transformed the practices of our profession and improved our society. They took risks with the confidence that comes from the solid preparation provided by U of T Engineering.”
Dr. Donald Sadoway (EngSci 7T2, MSE MASc 7T3, PhD 7T7) and Paul Cadario (CivE 7T3) are shining examples. Both received Honorary Doctorates for their influential and inspiring contributions to not only the engineering profession, but also society.
Dr. Sadoway, a John F. Elliott Professor of Materials Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a renowned educator and influential voice in the advancement of sustainable energy research.
In speaking to the engineering class of 1T3, he advised them to “Aim high. Find your passion and pursue it, and don’t live life in beige,” he said. “As engineers, ask, ‘What are the big problems?’ Engineering is science to serve societies.”
Cadario, with years of senior-level experience at The World Bank, is a distinguished name in international development and global policy. He had a similar message to the new engineering alumni, encouraging them to take a leadership role and invent a future that is inclusive, secure and sustainable.
“As new graduates, the future belongs to you,” he said. “Give back often, and as often as you can. And when you are asked to do something unexpected, or something risky – remember, you’re a U of T engineer. You can do anything.”
For Loic Markley (ElecE MASc 0T7, PhD 1T3), Convocation marks the beginning of his teaching career at the University of British Columbia. During his time as a graduate student at U of T Engineering, he got the opportunity to hone his teaching skills as a TA for third-year Engineering Science students. “My experience at U of T has been fantastic, there are just so many great professors here. I’m very excited about the next step.”
While some graduates will go on to teach, others are going into industry, like Huda Idrees (IndE 1T2 + PEY), who is looking to delve into the software-design sector. During Idrees’ five years at the Faculty, she got involved in a slew of student clubs and initiatives, which won her a Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award in April. After being such an active member of the U of T Engineering community, Idrees says graduating feels bittersweet. “I came here as an international student, and yet felt right at home. My time here has just been unbelievable.”
