NATALIE GONTHIER
WORCESTER — Natalie Gonthier, a resident of North Reading, was bestowed a BS/MS degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s 155th Commencement on Friday, May 10. Nearly 1,100 undergraduate degrees were awarded during the ceremony.
Gonthier, who majored in Mechanical Engineering, was named to the dean’s list every semester while attending WPI. She has accepted a position with General Electric Aerospace beginning in late July.
WPI President Grace J. Wang, PhD, and Board of Trustees Chair William Fitzgerald presided over the exercises. Wang told the graduates that in a changing world, where new technologies and industries are rapidly emerging, and where they could be doing jobs that have not yet been invented, they should dream boldly, persevere, be a team player, and enjoy the journey.
“WPI has prepared you for this future,” Wang said. “During your time here, you have been immersed in a transformative, leading-edge, and inclusive environment to ready you for jobs, careers, and, also, exciting opportunities to come.”
In her commencement address to undergraduates, Nancy M. Pimental, a 1987 WPI graduate who spent 11 years as a writer and executive producer on the hit Showtime series “Shameless,” told the graduates they are well-prepared for whatever career path they choose to follow.
“With your degree from WPI, you’re ready for success,” Pimental said. “You can literally accomplish anything you set sights on. Isn’t that amazing? The possibilities are unlimited. You learn to think critically, solve problems logically, and work together collaboratively. These are the skills you need to overcome any obstacles that are thrown your way. There’s nothing you can’t do now that you’re a WPI grad.”
Pimental and Michael J. Dolan ’75, WPI Trustee Emeritus, who served for 16 years as an active member of the Board of Trustees, received honorary degrees as part of the ceremony.
Student speaker Samuel Levitan, a biology and biotechnology major, weaved Commencement history into his speech, reminding the audience that Black educator, reformer, and intellectual Booker T. Washington gave WPI’s 50th Commencement address in 1915, speaking about America’s transformation since the end of slavery. Levitan also talked about the sense of belonging instilled in WPI students, who balance a STEM education with a formative personal experience.
“To learn about cutting-edge technologies and scientific discoveries at WPI takes an open mind,” Levitan said. “But no matter where you go and no matter what you do, an open heart is just as important. Remember that you belong wherever that may be, and that the people around you are counting on you to believe that they belong, too.”
