{"id":30910,"date":"2024-06-09T19:57:58","date_gmt":"2024-06-10T02:57:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/news\/?p=30910"},"modified":"2024-06-09T22:16:37","modified_gmt":"2024-06-10T05:16:37","slug":"capping-a-unique-college-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/news\/2024\/06\/09\/capping-a-unique-college-experience","title":{"rendered":"Capping a unique college experience\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

More than 1,400 students in the University of Washington Bothell\u2019s Class of 2024 crossed the stage at T-Mobile Park on June 9, ready to advance in their careers, continue with graduate studies, volunteer for nonprofits \u2014 and make a difference in their communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGraduates, I know you are well prepared for what is ahead of you,\u201d Chancellor Kristin G. Esterberg said in her remarks to the crowd of nearly 15,000 family members, friends, faculty and staff. \u201cAnd you are poised to make a tremendous impact in our community, in the state of Washington and around the world.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some, the Commencement Ceremony also capped a unique college experience that began with online classes and virtual meetings with peers and professors. \u201cOur journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary and has been a story of resilience,\u201d Puneet Birk, president of the Associated Students of UW Bothell, told her peers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have conquered challenges, overcome obstacles and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Creating impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Class of 2024 includes 1,730 undergraduates, 200 graduate students and four students who received their teaching certificate. Students hail from as close as Bothell to as far away as South Africa, and the graduating class includes a rich diversity of first-generation students, veterans, parents and caregivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In her remarks, Birk addressed students like herself. \u201cAs a first-generation college student, earning a degree represents far more than just academic achievement. It symbolizes breaking down barriers, defying the odds and opening doors that were once closed,\u201d she said. \u201cOftentimes, we would have to navigate unfamiliar territory. Oftentimes, we would navigate it alone. And oftentimes, it meant translating our accomplishments for our loved ones to understand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut our courage brought us here today.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to Esterberg and Birk, UW President Ana Mari Cauce spoke to the graduates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou will forever carry with you the knowledge of how strong and resilient you really are,\u201d she said. \u201cBut it\u2019s not all about hardship \u2014 it’s also about celebrating the many doors that will open to you because of the time, energy and talent that you have invested in your future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe celebrate your intellectual curiosity, your passion and your pursuit of excellence. We celebrate your capacity to create impact.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Celebrating excellence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In keeping with tradition, Cauce presented the annual President\u2019s Medal to the UW Bothell student with the most distinguished academic record. The 2024 honoree is Maksim Poklonskii, whose goal is to open a nonprofit tax practice that provides services to improve his clients\u2019 quality of life. \u201cGiving back to the community is the best thing you can ever do,\u201d Poklonskii said in an award presentation video. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, Esterberg presented the annual Chancellor\u2019s Medal to a UW Bothell student who has been a consistent source of inspiration for peers and faculty alike even as they overcome obstacles. The 2024 honoree is Puneet Birk, who faced the challenges first-generation students encounter and who was balancing caring for her siblings while going to school and serving as ASUWB president. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Sharon A. Jones, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, recognized Dr. Raissa DeSmet, associate teaching professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, as the recipient of UW Bothell\u2019s annual Distinguished Teaching Award, and Dr. Sophie Leroy, professor in the School of Business, as the recipient of the annual Distinguished Research, Scholarship & Creative Activity Award. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once all students received their diplomas, they participated in the commencement tradition of moving the tassels on their caps from the right to the left, signifying their status as graduates and joining more than 33,000 UW Bothell alumni. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo gallery: 2024 Commencement Ceremony<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n\"2024<\/a>