CSC News

Graduate Milestone Achieved in Fall Diploma Ceremony

On Wednesday, December 14, 2005, approximately 1,000 relatives and guests watched in pride as over 130 degrees were conferred by the department during our Fall Diploma Ceremony held at the beautiful Meymandi Concert Hall in the Progress � Energy � Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh .

Of the 132 degrees conferred, almost 47% came from the graduate program (7 PhDs and 55 MS degrees), the highest percentage in the department�s history. �

As recognized during the ceremony by Dr. Mladen Vouk, interim department head, this significant milestone is a statement to the outstanding reputation and sustained growth of our graduate program.

Among the 70 students graduating with B.S. degrees, one was a member of the Society of Collegiate Scholars, one was a member of the University Honors program, 9 were members of Upsilon Pi Epsilon (National Computer Science Honors Society), 6 were University Scholars, two were members of Phi Kappa Phi, one a member of Phi Sigma Pi, one a member of Phi Sigma Theta, one a member of the Golden Key Society, and three were Valedictorians graduating with perfect 4.0 GPAs.

This graduating class brings our departmental alumni base to almost 4,850.

Dr. Donald Bitzer, Distinuished University Research Professor within the department, and winner of an Emmy Award for his work in developing the flat plasma display panel, served as special guest speaker for the event. �He told the graduates that while it is important that they be equipped to �answer questions right�, that perhaps it will be more important to their success if they learn how to �ask the right questions�. �He advised the graduates to pursue their interests and passions, and that the money would follow.� Finally, he told the graduates that despite their concerns over rising tuitions, the total that they and their parents paid for their education was far less than what it really cost, and that the difference has been and will continue to be made up by donations from those who want to help others.� He challenged the graduates to remember this when they become successful, and to give back some how so that others can follow in their footsteps.

Special entertainment was provided by the Capital Brass of the North Carolina Symphony.

Special thanks to Super ePartner, Progress Energy, for sponsoring this very special event.

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