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students stand in front of a building in graduation attire throwing their caps into the air

June 01, 2023

Integrated Innovation Institute Celebrates at Spring 2023 Diploma Ceremony

By Jess Ignasky

On Friday, May 12, the Integrated Innovation Institute held its Spring 2023 Diploma Ceremony celebrating the Master of Integrated Innovation for Products & Services and M.S. Technology Ventures classes of 2023.

A group of students poses in front of a building wearing their graduation attire
The final graduating class of MSTV poses with their academic advisor, Leia Delabahan


Student speakers Ananya Madhav (MSTV ‘23) and Kevin Killeen (MIIPS ‘23) spoke to their peers, sharing words of advice and summarizing what they’d learned during their time at the iii. 

“This chapter of life is what I would call starting up,” said Madhav. “The growth graph has been exponential for me and my classmates. Starting off as minimum viable products, professionally and personally, I can confidently say that we have reached our product market fit as individuals.”

“In Professor Stuart’s class, we learned the three main things a VC looks for in a startup: TAM, team, and tech. Our cohort is incredibly diverse with students from across the globe and our expertise in tech is equally varied. And let’s not forget about the team; we are living examples of the Michael Jordan quote, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” We not only supported each other’s dreams, but we dreamed the entrepreneurial dream together.”

“If our cohort were a startup, we’d sell like hotcakes!” 

Ananya Madhav speaks into the microphone at the podium
Ananya Madhav praises her cohort for their entrepreneurial spirit.

 “[In this program] we have gained a willingness to learn and realized that the best way to learn is from others,” shared Killeen. “I want to thank our professors because they’ve taught us so much, but we’ve also learned from each other."

"Everyone has come into this program with their own unique talents and skills, and the beauty of this program is that we get to share those with each other.” 

“I leave you with this challenge: go out, talk to someone, learn something from them, because they have unique talents, and don’t forget to smile along the way.”  

Kevin Killeen stands at the podium delivering his graduation speech
Kevin Killeen speaks about the unique talents of his classmates.

Student awards were also given to Megan Dado (MIIPS ‘23) and Guillermo Gutierrez (MSTV ‘23). Students were voted on by faculty for representing the iii best and showing leadership skills inside and outside of the classroom. 

MIIPS Program Director Ellen Ayoob presents Megan Dado with her award
Left to Right: Ellen Ayoob (MIIPS Program Director), Megan Dado (MIIPS '23)

 

iii Program Director Peter Boatwright presents Guillermo Gutierrez with his award
Left to Right: Peter Boatwright (Director, iii), Guillermo Gutierrez (MSTV '23)

After student awards were presented, iii Director, Peter Boatwright, announced the recipient of the first Alumni Changemaker Award, Minette Vaccariello (MPD '06). The Alumni Changemaker Award is a new award that recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional creativity in innovation and problem solving, positively impacted society, and maintained their engagement and involvement with the iii. 

iii Director Peter Boatwright presents Minette Vaccariello with the Alumni Changemaker Award
Left to Right: Peter Boatwright (Director, iii), Minette Vaccariello (MPD '06)

 The ceremony concluded after distribution of diplomas with a speech by Alumni Relations Manager, Mary Kilcoyne, appluading students on their new alumni status. 

“As students, your time here is short, but our hope is that the learnings, the memories, and relationships you made here will stay with you for life,” remarked Kilcoyne. “It’s our hope that CMU will stay with you as well because you are now part of the Tartan family!” 

Watch the Spring 2023 Diploma Ceremony

Check out more photos from the Spring 2023 Diploma Ceremony:

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