University Notes, May 2024: Local students named by Cedarville University, Worcester Polytechnic

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,456 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study.

Yasui receives Worcester Polytechnic Institute BS/MS degree

WORCESTER, MASS. — On May 10, Mt. Hood-Parkdale resident Aunika Yasui, who majored in mechanical engineering, was bestowed a bachelor’s of science/master’s of science degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s (WPI) 155th Commencement. Nearly 1,100 undergraduate degrees were awarded during the ceremony.

President Grace J. Wang, Ph.D., and Board of Trustees Chair William Fitzgerald presided over the exercises.

Student speaker Samuel Levitan, a biology and biotechnology major, weaved commencement history into his speech, reminding the audience that Black educator, reformer, and intellectual Booker T. Washington gave WPI’s 50th Commencement address in 1915, speaking about America’s transformation since the end of slavery. Levitan also talked about the sense of belonging instilled in WPI students, who balance a STEM education with a formative personal experience.