We spent the month celebrating the Class of 2024—with a few important detours along the way. Take a look back at May at the University of Rochester. Photos by J. Adam Fenster unless otherwise noted.
DESIGNER LOOKS: Optics major Eric Li and other seniors at the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences display their projects during the school’s annual Design Day.
WITH THE FLIP OF A SWITCH: Electrical and computer engineering PhD student Zhengdong Gao adjusts a new all-in-one microcomb device created in the lab of Qiang Lin, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and at the Institute of Optics. The device allows users to control the optical frequency comb simply by switching on a power source.
UNBELIE-BUBBLE: A member of the Class of 2024 enjoys a picnic on Wilson Quad as part of Senior Week before Commencement.
IN STYLE: Stylists at ClipDart, owned by a Rochester alumnus, provide haircuts to graduating seniors in Wilson Commons.
STRIKE A POSE, THERE’S NOTHING TO IT: Graduates pose with the George Eastman statue ahead of Commencement.
KNOW YOUR ANGLES: As part of Senior Week, Rochester seniors take a tour of the Rush Rhees Library Tower.
A STEP AHEAD: A graduate poses for photos on the steps to Rush Rhees Library’s Great Hall the day before Commencement.
TOWER TALK: A tour of the Rush Rhees Library tower the day before Commencement.
PACE YOURSELF: A graduate makes his way to Commencement.
PRIDE AND JOY: Commencement attendees look for and cheer on their graduates.
GO FORTH: Graduates recess after this year’s Commencement Ceremony.
FLYING HIGH: Zhuoran Sun celebrates on Eastman Quadrangle following the University’s Commencement Ceremony. (University of Rochester photo / Lauren Petracca)
YOU’RE SO VANE: A red-tailed hawk perches atop the weathervane on the Rush Rhees Library dome.
BLUE RIBBON DAY: The doors are open to the University’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics’ new 66,600-square-foot office and lab expansion. The opening of the addition marks a significant milestone for the national research facility, which was last expanded in 2003 to house the OMEGA EP laser. Participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) Austin Ponce, regional director for US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand; Bill Moehle, Brighton town supervisor; Vincent Esposito, vice president for regional economic development at Empire State Development and assistant secretary for upstate intergovernmental affairs under Governor Kathy Hochul; Bill Goodrich, CEO of LeChase Construction; Marc Suriano, deputy assistant and deputy administrator at the National Nuclear Security Administration; Chris Deeney, director of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics; US Representative Joseph Morelle; University President Sarah Mangelsdorf; University Trustees Quincy Allen and Larry Kessler; New York Assemblymember Sarah Clark, Trustee John Kelly; and Susan Hughes-Smith, Monroe County legislator.
