MB
Matthew Beardsley
  • robotics engineering
  • Class of 2016
  • Westford, Mass.

Westford Resident Matthew Beardsley One of 739 Graduates to Receive Master's and Doctoral Degrees at 148th WPI Commencement

2016 Jun 14

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) began its 148th Commencement celebrations with the graduate students' ceremony on Thursday, May 12, awarding 739 master's and doctoral degrees. This was WPI's first-ever graduate commencement, a reflection of the growing stature of its graduate programs, which have expanded substantially-in size, diversity, and international recognition.

Matthew Beardsley of Westford, Mass., was awarded a master of science degree in robotics engineering .

France Cordova, director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), addressed the graduating class and received an honorary doctor of science degree. As director, Cordova oversees the largest federal agency that supports research and education across all fields of science and engineering. She previously served as NASA's chief scientist.

The crowd of more than two thousand also heard messages from WPI president Laurie A. Leshin and 2016 Graduate Commencement student speaker, Shaymus Hudson.

President Leshin made special note of the first-ever graduate commencement ceremony. "This is a critical and important moment in our history. Our graduate programs have grown significantly since 1898 when five esteemed students at WPI received their master's degrees. Today we confer 740 graduate degrees, including 35 PhDs. We've come a long way." Leshin also highlighted the 200 students receiving graduate degrees through the university's corporate and professional education programs, saying, "I am especially proud that WPI has partnered with companies, local and global, to enable their employees to be lifelong learners-something so critical for success in today's dynamic world."