Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Congratulations to the Class of 2014!

5/20/2014

Written by

More than 100 undergraduate students from the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department at the University of Illinois graduated on Sunday, May 18. 
Dr. Paul Adriani was the convocation speaker for the event which took place at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the Urbana-Champaign campus. Adriani earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in 1985 and then completed his master’s and doctorate degrees at Stanford University.
A Chemical Engineering graduate accepts her diploma from Department Head and Professor Paul J. A. Kenis.
A Chemical Engineering graduate accepts her diploma from Department Head and Professor Paul J. A. Kenis.

Adriani is the Integration Technical Manager at SunPower Corporation. He has more than 20 years of technical and senior management experience with Fortune 500 and start-up companies. His most recent experience is in developing new products that convert sunlight into electricity as a small part of the worldwide effort to scale up renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and reduce climate change.

He welcomed the students and applauded them for graduating from one of the best chemical engineering departments in the country.
“Find your own path that fits your values,” he encouraged the graduates. “You have the security of having your own purpose and securing your dream.”
Adriani left the students with some tips as they transition to their next steps in life.
  • You have a long time ahead of you. Do course corrections along the way.
  • Be sure to expect failures.
  • Keep pursuing your passions and interests.
  • Work hard.
  • Be excellent in what you do.
When you are listening to others you are learning. And, when you are talking you are helping other people learn.
Department Head Paul J. A. Kenis and Lecturer Troy Vogel pose with a new graduate during the May 18 ceremony.
Department Head Paul J. A. Kenis and Lecturer Troy Vogel pose with a new graduate during the May 18 ceremony.

Brian Ross, Interim Dean at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, congratulated the graduates on their achievements. “Graduates you have grown greatly. You are graduating from an excellent department and an excellent university.”

Dr. Paul J. A. Kenis, William H. and Janet G. Lycan Professor and Department Head, presented the graduates to a standing ovation from family and friends during the ceremony. Kenis wished the students the best in their futures. “Stay in touch with us. Let us know how you are doing. And, we welcome you back for Homecoming on October 25 as alumni to our tailgate tent.”

The department also had 11 students graduate with a Master of Science Degree in chemical engineering and 26 students graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Chemical Engineering.

Share this story

This story was published May 20, 2014.