College of Science & Mathematics students graduate ready for future

Armed with a freshly minted Rowan University degree in computer science, Cole Robertson, 24, of Deptford, is heading South.

Forget the post-graduation vacation.

Robertson is packing for Charlottesville, Virginia, where he will start a position with Commonwealth Computer Research, Inc., next Tuesday.

He said his Rowan education not only expanded his knowledge base and provided him with more friends, it also prepared him to start working.

Robertson was one of close to 500 students who took part in Commencement 2018 ceremonies for the College of Science & Mathematics (excluding psychology majors, who graduated earlier in the day) on Monday, May 7, on the Bunce Green.

(To see photos of the day and all Commencement 2018 activities as they become available, check out Rowan on Facebook.)

The day was classic: family members and friends sitting and standing under trees, hoping to catch a glimpse of their graduate, picture-perfect spring weather and a chance for students from more than three dozen majors to enjoy their moment in the sun.

One of those students was commencement speaker Loulia Al Bitar (profiled here), who hit all the notes about which professors – and staff members and university administrators – could dream.

“This amazing institution provided us with some of the most remarkable opportunities and experiences that have helped prepare us for our upcoming chapters in life. It has provided us with an environment that we will always call home and individuals we will always consider as family,” said Al Bitar.

Dr. Karen Magee-Sauer, dean, praised students and faculty while outlining highlights in the College during the students’ time at Rowan.

“As dean, I hear a lot of ‘good news’ about what students have done or where they will go next year, and, with each, I can trace it back directly to faculty members who made the difference. Their excellence certainly defines the excellence of Rowan and the College of Science & Mathematics,” Magee-Sauer said. “I also want to take a chance to thank you, our students, for, well, being students . . . I come away knowing that the best part of Rowan is our students . . . I think many of you are surprised at what they have accomplished, but we aren’t.”