SIPA Congratulates Class of 2012

May 17 saw a beautiful spring day on Morningside Heights as the School of International and Public Affairs conducted its 2012 graduation ceremony, awarding degrees to 741 graduates on South Lawn as parents, friends, faculty, and staff looked on.

Dean Robert Lieberman saluted the class, suggesting that its members represent a new breed of leaders with a sense of global context: “SIPA graduates question the world and look for ways to guide it forward.”

The dean said later that it was a great pleasure to preside over the ceremony for the first time, and that the presence of former dean John Coatsworth, now University Provost, was especially meaningful: “It’s wonderful to have the provost participate in SIPA’s exercises, and even moreso for the students who knew John as dean for much of their time here.”

Featured speaker Tara D. Sonenshine, recently appointed Under Secretary of State for for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, exhorted the graduates to become what she called persons of value. “Everyone out here today is going to have to prove their value in terms of what they do,” she said, “while at the same time proving their inner worth by who they are as a person.”

Sonenshine said the graduates should also view themselves as budding entrepreneurs: “You have to become innovators in everything you do – how you entertain yourself, how you communicate with your friends and the ever expanding networks of people around the world. By doing so, you can begin to define and forge your own custom-made, innovative future.”

But, she added, “the greatest achievements of all governments, corporations and, ultimately your own careers, will be directly measurable by how they impact people and how you engage with people.”

Sonenshine concluded with a call for graduates to “own the future,” not for themselves but for the rest of us. “We’re depending on you. We trust you. We believe in you,” she said. “Most importantly, we need you.”

The graduates showed their appreciation by giving Sonenshine a standing ovation. Aaron Foss MPA ’12 said that Sonenshine’s speech “captured the spirit of what this school is about.” Michael Moroz MIA ’12 said that the speech was meaningful to anyone who shared SIPA’s values, and went on to praise the overall ceremony for its relative intimacy.

Moroz was joined by his parents, Jim and Judy Moroz, who were visiting from Peoria, Illinois, for the first time since helping their son move to New York two years ago. They were among the hundreds of family members who traveled from around the world; many joined students for a reception on Ancell Plaza, outside the International Affairs Building, following the ceremony.

“It’s really rewarding to see the students with their families,” said associate dean Dan McIntyre. “I love meeting parents and spouses and wishing everyone well. We’ll hear from them about all the great things they’re going to do. It’s a really great day.”

In a whirlwind of canapes, bubbly, and happy activity, students introduced relatives to friends and coordinated photos, pairs and threes and so on. As guests circulated about the plaza, they could catch snippets of conversation in different languages, Spanish and French and Hindi and more. SIPASA, the student association, was on hand to give out “swag bags” – reusable totes with souvenirs inside — and to sell t-shirts and other merchandise. “We are keeping busy,” confirmed Carlyn Cowen MIA ’13.

In the afternoon sun, some shed the robes and mortarboards that marked them as graduates, but their smiles gave them away. Still, there was introspection amid the grins.

“I think this year [at SIPA] will have a huge impact on my life,” said Zeina El Khoury PEPM ’12, who is going on to work at the World Bank.

“Of all the opportunities in my life, coming to Columbia is on top,” said Puleng Botlhole ESP ’12, the flag of her native South Africa tucked behind her ear. She is already working for that nation’s department of trade and industry.

For many, the time went by in a flash. “We made it, but it’s surreal because it feels like we’re going to be back next week,” said Sahar Shah MPA ’12. “I can’t quite believe we won’t be.”