NYIT grads told to 'remake the world'

Thousands graduate at New York Institute of Technology

Number of graduates: 4,000

Keynote speaker: At Sunday's commencement ceremony, Edward Guiliano, president and chief executive of New York Institute of Technology, told the graduating class that "in the years ahead, you will be even more in demand, as analysts say there will be a shortage of white collar workers as the baby boomers retire. . . . In an era of such growth, not only will you prosper. You will find purpose everywhere around you."

He cautioned that "what we know today is not constant. Some things we know will remain true. But many will be edited, added, footnoted, paraphrased or simply deleted." He added that "we cannot imagine, we cannot dream, we cannot invent without knowledge. We cannot be ourselves, let alone our future selves." Before closing his address, Guiliano urged students to "go out and explore. Create. Lead. Remake the world."

Class speaker: Stephanie Langdon, 21, of upstate Selkirk, reminded the class that "today marks the end of an important chapter in our lives, a chapter that was filled with discoveries, knowledge, perseverance and a sense of independence. Yet, above all, a chapter that's just a brief introduction to the unwritten story of our lives."

And the students speak out

Dominic Alberto, 22, Farmingdale

Bachelor's in architecture

"The economy's definitely made me want to go get my master's. I can get it done now and the job market will hopefully look better a few years down the road."

Eveline Pompeu, 26, Oyster Bay

Bachelor's in hospitality management

"I came here six years ago as a nanny from Brazil. I'm in the market for a job, trying to find something in the city. My student visa has one year left on it, so I will stay and work until it expires and then go back to Brazil."

Abigail Marcelo, 22, Queens

Bachelor's in interior design

"This summer I plan to take off and just be off. I have a job now, but I'm not sure if that's where I'm going to be in the fall. I'm going to build up my portfolio for a few months and see what I can find."

Adel Sageer, 26, Brooklyn

Bachelor's in architecture

"I technically graduated in December and have been interning since then. They've both ended and now I'm looking for my next job. In the future I hope to go to grad school, which may be a little sooner depending on how the job search goes."

Ainon Chen, 34, Manhattan

Master of business administration, management

"I'm trying to find a job here first. And then in a year or so I'll return home to Thailand. I like business and I think it would be advantageous for me when I return home to have an international degree."