Class of 2016

Class of 2016
Photo: Chris Gladwin
Chris Gladwin
Chris Gladwin
Photo: Michael Goss

Cleversafe founder and Illinois Institute of Technology Trustee Chris Gladwin delivered the 2016 Commencement keynote address, during which he asked the Class of 2016 to pose for a photo [above]. Held on May 14 from Illinois Tech’s Ed Glancy Field, the ceremony was viewed via live stream in 61 countries. Gladwin, who recently gave $7.6 million to Illinois Tech to strengthen its computer science program, told the graduates that the photo has a deeper significance than simply being a cool crowd shot.

“Class of 2016, when you look at that graduation picture 10 years from now, in 50 years, or perhaps even in 100 years, you will see the faces of all of your classmates. You will see the faces of designers and engineers who have created new products used around the world. You will see the faces of lawyers who have advanced just causes…” said Gladwin, including more examples from each of the major fields of study at Illinois Tech. “Class of 2016, all of the elements needed to have these kinds of impacts are seated around you. They are your fellow members of the Class of 2016 and the people of the entire Illinois Tech community.”