Graduates Noted for Talent, Determination During Spring Commencement Ceremony
Photos by Joshua Touster
Yanel de Angel has seen the talent of Wentworth Institute of Technology students firsthand. As a principal for architecture and design firm Perkins&Will, she has been working with the university on its master plan and had much to say about the qualities that make a Wentworth student unique.
“You are smart, curious, thirsty for knowledge, unafraid of hard work,” said the keynote speaker at Wentworth’s Spring 2022 Commencement ceremony on Saturday. “You have grit and determination. You are also humble, not entitled.”
Of the influence Wentworth graduates have on the world de Angel said, “We could all use more consistent moral integrity and discipline of purpose.”
As a Latina in a male-dominated field, de Angel extolled the three things that have helped her throughout her career: perseverance, perspective, and giving more than receiving.
“Stay connected to your heritage and your community. Build a network and leverage that expanding web to do good in business and in life,” she said. “Your awakening might come sooner than it came to me. Don’t ignore that moment. That might be your chance to connect your personal and professional life with purpose.”
de Angel was one of two women earning honorary doctorate degrees on the day as past Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs Annamaria Wenner was honored for her 25 years of service to Wentworth students.
During her tenure, Wenner led and supported many student-center initiatives, including the Flanagan Campus Center, Gender Inclusive Housing, Schumann Fitness Center, Center for Diversity and Social Justice Programs, WITWear, Supply Closet, Student Support Specialists, First Year Seminar, CARE Team, the Leopard’s Oath, Team #WentWorthIt, and the Student Emergency Fund.
“But of all her roles and accomplishments, her genuine connection with her students is what she holds closest to her heart,” said President Mark A. Thompson. “Whether looking to share good news, looking for advice, a shoulder to cry on, or a hug, students knew they could count on Annamaria to make them her priority.”
The moment was made more special as Wenner’s former colleague, and new dean of students, Jenn Kosses presented her degree. Kosses also led the procession at the start of the ceremony for the first time.
Student Speaker Coleman Conner, Architecture, noted some of the unique circumstances that the roughly 400 Class of 2022 graduates navigated in recent years.
“We had to deal with some weird things. Covid, Zoom, global wars, social movements, change. A lot of change,” Conner said. “But we are all here today and we have made it. Regardless of how you got here, it’s an accomplishment, one to be celebrated.”
Conner urged his classmates to “be bold” in what they do next.
“Take a step back, soul search, and take time to create a vision that you can stand for, especially from all the unique experiences you’ve had while at Wentworth,” he said. “Not everyone will have the same vision. But I know we can all do great things.”
The morning began with the Color Guard led by the Liberty Battalion Army ROTC and the singing of the National Anthem by master’s degree graduate Laurie B. Schaeffer. Wentworth Board of Trustees Chair Gregory Janey, ’82, ’04, HON. ’17, served as the event’s emcee and additionally helped grant honorary bachelor’s degrees to the Classes of 1970 and 1971 as part of the Black and Gold Society ceremony.
Computer Science student Endi Caushi earned the Beatty Award, which recognizes the undergraduate student with the highest overall academic achievement.
Prior to the start of Commencement, the family of Max Carbone, a Class of 2022 student who died tragically two years ago, gathered on campus with Thompson, Wenner, and Janey for the dedication of a bench outside of Nelson Recreation Center.
Photos from the day by Joshua Touster can be found at Canto, while photos of students crossing the stage can be found at Grad Images.
