UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Approximately 1,100 students received their baccalaureate degrees at the College of Engineering's spring commencement exercises May 8 at the Bryce Jordan Center.
This year's commencement address was given by electrical engineering alumnus Todd Erdley, president and CEO of Videon Central in State College. The multidisciplinary engineering company develops middleware for Blu-ray players, specialized applications for in-flight entertainment, streaming media software and a range of other technologies.
"As engineers, we are problem solvers. Being an engineer is not only about what we have learned but how we have learned," he said to the audience.
Erdley told the graduates that being a problem solver means being a visionary and taking ownership of their vision, their culture and their results.
"As Penn State Engineers, you represent the brightest and hardest working students on this campus," said Erdley. "You have been equipped with the tools to leave Penn State and solve the world's most challenging problems in academia, industry and society."
He encouraged graduates to take risks and care about others more than themselves as they endeavor to change the world. "If you fail, pivot in a new direction towards success."
Erdley continued, "I want to see students like you graduate from Penn State and start thriving businesses in State College and beyond that incorporate social impact and positive sustainable practices."