Quinnipiac University Celebrates 11th annual Hard Hat Ceremony

Press release

HAMDEN, Conn. – Quinnipiac University's School of Computing and Engineering recently celebrated its 11th annual Hard Hat Ceremony, a significant event that honors the achievements of 282 students across various engineering disciplines.

Held on February 28, the ceremony brought together faculty and students to commemorate their hard work and to strengthen the sense of community within the school.

Donning blue hard hats, faculty joined students wearing yellow hard hats embossed with the iconic Quinnipiac “Q,” symbolizing their journeys of growth and accomplishment in civil engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering and software engineering.

Dean Taskin Kocak addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of the hard hat as a symbol of resilience, innovation and dedication to hands-on learning.

“This ceremony reflects our shared strength and unity,” said Kocak, as he presented 126 initial achievement awards, 116 advanced achievement stickers, and graduation stickers to 82 members of the Class of 2025.

With a total of 184 special recognition awards for academic excellence distributed, the ceremony showcased the supportive environment the faculty fosters, as echoed by students like mechanical engineering major Emma Petersen.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was fun to see the whole school come together and see everyone getting their hard hats and stickers for their achievements,” Petersen said. “We get nothing but support from our faculty. They really are one of the best.”

Sarah Allerheiligen, a software engineering major graduating this May, reflected on the significance of the event.

“It’s a wonderful way to build community and recognize how far we’ve come,” she said.