Commencement '06
The UC Davis College of Engineering awarded 612 bachelor's degrees, 168 master's degrees and 113 doctorates at ceremonies on June 15 and 16, 2006, at The Pavilion at ARC on the UC Davis campus.
At the ceremony on June 16, the College of Engineering's Dean, Dr. Enrique J. Lavernia, welcomed guests and congratulated the candidates for bachelor of science degrees for what they have accomplished, and urged them to remember the importance of relationships as their lives and careers progress.
“These connections between people are what our lives, our work, our history and our futures are built upon. It is relationships that shape our memories, that empower our learning, that sustain us during great challenges,” Lavernia said, adding that this year's graduates were beginning their engineering careers during particularly challenging times. “…amidst war, political crisis, energy shortages, global environmental change and terrorism. It is not an easy road you begin - to make a difference in this world.” Lavernia noted that the graduates had worked hard, were trained well and ready for the challenges ahead. “We know that you are ready. In fact, we are counting on you; our children and our grandchildren are counting on you…Good luck.”
UC Davis Chancellor Larry N. Vanderhoef conferred bachelor's degrees in 15 majors, assisted at the podium by the faculty marshal, Professor Matthew Farrens of the department of computer science.
In his remarks, the Chancellor continued a tradition of asking graduates to locate their family and friends in the audience and give them a standing ovation, stressing that these loved ones “own a piece of the degrees granted today.” He expressed confidence in the graduates' ability to go forward and make a difference.
“What you've learned these past few years will undoubtedly serve you well as you look out at what truly is the widest horizon of possibility,” Vanderhoef said, urging the graduates not to be intimidated at the same time by the uncertainties that are part of this transition. “Exploring possibilities, walking new paths, discovering the unexpected is your life's journey,” he explained. “As we celebrate your accomplishment today and toast your bright futures, I wish for you continued adventure of the mind and spirit, the warmth and wisdom of an open heart, and an ever-growing capacity to inspire and to be inspired. May you begin each day knowing you'll get to do something you believe in, are good at and love to do… We could not be prouder of you or more confident that you will make this world a better place.”
The Ghausi Medal, the highest academic honor the College of Engineering can bestow, was awarded to Kristin B. Bernick, a student in the department of biomedical engineering whose work has focused on DNA repair. Bernick goes on to graduate study and a career as a research scientist, intent on making a positive impact on other people's lives.
The Distinguished Engineering Alumni Medal was presented to Dr. Robert H. Davis, Dean of the Engineering College and Patten Professor of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado. Davis is internationally known for his work in biotechnology and the hydrodynamics of complex fluids. He received his bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from the UC Davis College of Engineering in 1978. The medal itself was produced by UC Davis Engineering Design and Development Services (EDDS) - the group of shops that serve the design, research and fabricating needs of the College of Engineering - and by the College's Northern California Nanotechnology Center (NC2).