New London's Bryce Snarski-Pierce Graduates WPI With Master of Science Degree

Bryce Snarski-Pierce of New London was awarded a master of science degree in systems engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

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 also made special note of the first-ever graduate commencement ceremony.

"This is a critical and important moment in our history," Leshin said. "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.

"I am especially proud that WPI has partnered with companies, local and global," Leshin said, "to enable their employees to be lifelong learners-something so critical for success in today's dynamic world."