News & Events
2009 City Tech Commencement Highlights
In one of the more exuberant commencements in recent history, 1,000 New York City College of Technology (City Tech) seniors, with their family and friends cheering behind them, became graduates of the College.
But before they did, they heard words of inspiration from commencement speaker New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who evoked Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor to bring home the point that “Education provides us with opportunities we would never have otherwise.”
“Coming from humble beginnings, Judge Sotomayor excelled in her undergraduate years in college and rose to the top of her Yale Law School class,” DiNapoli said. “She now stands poised to become the first Hispanic on our nation’s highest court.” (For a complete version of his speech click here (pdf).)
Then it was valedictorian Ayesha Siddiqui’s turn. In her address, she quoted President Barack Obama: “In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity – it is a pre-requisite.”
She also told the audience that she firmly believes that the key to success in life is effective communication and being a responsible and respectful citizen of the world, sharing with us prescient words uttered by the Prophet Mohammad 1,400 years ago: “O’ people! An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor has a non-Arab any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor does a black have any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action.” (For a complete version of her speech, click here (pdf).)
To listen to Siddiqui's CUNY Radio Newsmakers interview, click here.
Teresa Parker, City Tech’s director of testing, demonstrated her vocal talents by singing heartfelt renditions of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “If You Believe” (from The Wiz).
Two hours after commencement began, the new graduates – along with faculty, staff, distinguished guests, family and friends – filed out of the Theater to Chuck Mangione’s “Feels So Good.” Many fanned out into the five boroughs to continue their celebrations.
Click here for the 2009 commencement photo gallery.
Photos by Alberto Vargas for City TechClick here for the 2009 commencement photo gallery.
06.08.09
