Dartmouth Engineering Celebrates Another Record Number of Degrees

Thayer also awarded 51 Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degrees—almost equally to both men and women for the second year in a row—10 Master of Science (MS) degrees, and 23 PhDs in engineering sciences. 

In addition, Dartmouth awarded 126 Bachelor of Arts degrees to graduating engineering sciences majors.   

More than 1,200 people gathered on The Dartmouth Green—with over 1,500 watching online—to witness BE, MEM, MEng, MS, and PhD candidates, led by four student marshals, receive their academic hoods from the engineering faculty. In addition, numerous graduates, faculty, and staff were recognized for contributions and accomplishments in academics, research, engineering design, and service.

Joseph Helble, president of Lehigh University and former Thayer dean and Dartmouth provost, delivered the keynote address. (Photo by Mark Washburn)

Joseph Helble, Lehigh University's 15th president and former provost and dean of engineering at Dartmouth, received this year's Robert Fletcher Award and delivered a keynote address about how "it's never 'engineering or' at Dartmouth. It is always 'engineering and.'

"Now I'm making a point of this because we're experiencing a moment where I believe that 'and'—that connection—is profound," said Helble. "Where that 'and' means nearly everything. ... I'm convinced that those who understand and can operate in the framework of 'and' will be best prepared to navigate this extraordinary moment of change.

"You, my friends, are all prepared for these challenges. You have experienced an engineering education and so much more that has given you exposure to all of this. You are prepared to lead. Your education at this extraordinary institution in engineering and so many other things has prepared you, almost uniquely, to navigate the challenges thrown your way."

Student speakers Peder Solberg and Jenna Martin address the crowd. (Photos by Mark Washburn)

This year featured two graduating student speakers who each brought perspectives unique to their Thayer experience. Engineer and rower Jenna Martin drew insights from her time as both a student and an athlete. "Much like rowing a boat into fog early in the morning, we had to trust the people around us and work in unison to push toward the finish line," she said. "Through five years of engineering and rowing at Dartmouth, I’ve learned that success, whether in the lab, on the river, or in life, depends not on brute force or raw intellect alone, but on our ability to move together with purpose. We have prepared ourselves for difficult service because we’ve done it together."

PhD Innovation Program Fellow Peder Solberg spoke to fellow graduates about "what it means to be part of the Dartmouth Engineering family." And that the way to have real impact "starts by treating our classmates, colleagues, and clients—like family."

He explained that the "interdisciplinary magic" he has experienced at Thayer is made possible by that strong sense of community and belonging. "Our most complex challenges are human at their core, and solving them starts by treating stakeholders like family—understanding their needs and values. From that foundation of trust, we can boldly cross boundaries into unknown territory."

Interim Dean Douglas Van Citters, in his closing remarks, described how "twenty six years ago, I drove away from Dartmouth with a somewhat naive, 21 year-old, existential crisis of uncertainty. It took me years to understand what I actually had—Thayer taught me how to assess the world around me, how to identify problems, how to teach myself about new fields, and most importantly, how to take action toward a solution to uncertainty."

He spoke about what he calls the "Thayer Constant" as "that magical intersection of engineering with arts, literature, history and culture, all within this close-knit community. ...You’ll often hear that change is something that's always true about the world. But even in uncertainty, the Thayer Constant—both the place and its people—is why I am certain that you are among the most capable and prepared to take on any difficult work you may face ahead."