Sikorsky head encourages graduates to find their ‘why’ as they fly into the future
School of Business and School of Computing & Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement 2025
As vice president and general manager of Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin Company, Benton encouraged the 711 graduates of the School of Business and the 122 graduates of the School of Computing & Engineering to discover their “why” to guide them into the future.
“We are all different, and what drives us isn’t the same. Some of you may want to solve hard technical problems at a company like Lockheed Martin,” said Benton, referring to the world’s largest defense contractor.
“Others may want to leave a lasting footprint by becoming an entrepreneur. Your best friend may join the Coast Guard to save lives or become a teacher to make a difference,” Benton said. “Your ‘why’ also helps to define your work-life balance or community. Just like deciding on a career, everyone’s balance is different.”
It certainly was different for Igor Sikorsky, the Russian immigrant who founded the helicopter and rotorcraft company that bears his name in nearby Stratford, Connecticut.
Sikorsky arrived in the United States in 1919, a decade after his first two attempts at building a successful helicopter failed. Finally, in September 1939, Sikorsky made history with a 10-second flight in the one-seat helicopter he designed and flew as its test pilot.
“Today, Sikorsky has more than 200 customers in more than 40 countries. For more than 100 years, our aircraft have been used for military, search and rescue, medevac, firefighting, disaster relief and other missions,” Benton said. “Igor turned his dream into reality — a reality that forever changed the world of aviation.”
Sikorsky had his “why.” And Benton has his “why.” Now, it’s up to the Class of 2025.
“It’s just as important for individuals to find their 'why.' Your 'why' guides you through life,” Benton said. “It’s what truly motivates you to live the life you want. Your 'why' is what’s most important to you.”
Beyond the “why,” President Judy Olian referred to each and every graduate as “the person the world needs today.”
As she looked out at those assembled on the Quad in their blue caps and gowns with the “Q” on the sleeve, Olian saw the alumni who will lead change across finance, artificial intelligence, marketing, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, computer programming and engineering.
At the same time, she saw the enduring imprint of everyone who supported the Class of 2025.
“Our fervent hope is that over the last few years — every person you interacted with — every teacher, peer, advisor, coach, every professor who helped you discover talents within you that you didn’t know you had, every Quinnipiac alumnus — that they all prepared you for the inevitable accelerating changes in your chosen career, and also for the capacity to be an enlightened, respectful, and curious listener,” Olian said.
“Those are values that have never been more important for the life you are preparing to embark on, for the connected communities we need to build, live in and raise our families,” she said.
Anton Petrenko ’25, who earned a Master of Science, represented the School of Computing & Engineering as its student speaker.
“The friends we have made, the fun we have had, the studying all-nighters we can’t admit we pulled — these were not all in our plans,” Petrenko said. “We are not here because we planned. We are here because we did — we did everything to deserve the seats we occupy and the degrees we will graduate with today. We did the work and put in the time. You did. You should be proud of yourself.”
Moinuddin Mohmed Faruk Kothawala ’25, who earned a Bachelor of Science, spoke on behalf of his classmates in the School of Business.
“My program has been a fast-paced, transformative experience, preparing me for a future I once only imagined. Like many of you, I came here with a vision, and while that vision has evolved, the drive to make an impact remains the same,” Kothawala said.
“My goal is to work as a data analyst for the FBI or CIA, gaining experience in analytics before transitioning into the field department to work on profiling cases,” he added. “I know the road ahead won’t be linear, but that’s the point.”
After Provost Debra Liebowitz began the proceedings with the call to Commencement, Gabriela Michelle Merino ’25, who earned a Bachelor Science, sang the national anthem before thousands of parents, family members and friends.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Paul Calamita, MBA ’92, welcomed the Class of 2025 into an alumni community of more than 70,000 members around the world, with a reminder that a Quinnipiac education is a relationship that lasts a lifetime.
Watch the School of Business and School of Computing & Engineering Livestream
Watch the livestream of the School of Business and School of Computing & Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement.
Sunday, May 11, 10 a.m.
Order of Exercises
School of Computing & Engineering
School of Business
10 a.m.
Trumpet Prelude and Processional
Pomp and Circumstance, Sir Edward Elgar
Call to Commencement
Debra J. Liebowitz, PhD
Provost
National Anthem
Gabriela Michelle Merino
Greetings
Judy D. Olian, PhD
President
Class of 2024 Student Speakers
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School of Computing & Engineering: Anton Petrenko
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School of Business: Moinuddin Mohmed Faruk Kothawala
Introduction of Commencement Speaker
Kiku Jones, PhD
Professor and Chair of Business Analytics & Information Systems
Commencement Address
Richard Benton
Vice President and General Manager, Sikorsky
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees and Awards
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School of Computing & Engineering: Taskin Kocak, PhD, Dean
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School of Business: Holly Raider, PhD, Dean
Conferral of Degrees
Judy D. Olian
Alumni Welcome
Paul Calamita, MBA ’92
President, Alumni Association Board
Recessional
Richard Benton, MBA
Vice President and General Manager, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
School of Business and School of Computing & Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate Ceremony | Sunday, May 11, 10 a.m.
Richard Benton is the vice president and general manager for Stratford, Connecticut-based Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company within the Rotary and Mission Systems business area.
Benton leads 10,000 employees in the strategic growth and program execution of Sikorsky’s government and commercial rotorcraft, including the Black Hawk and Seahawk; the CH-53K heavy lift aircraft for modern battlefields; the S-92 helicopter for search and rescue, head of state transport and other key missions; and Sikorsky Innovations, a prototyping group that develops future vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
One of the projects Sikorsky Innovations is currently working on is the Rotor Blown Wing, a hybrid aircraft that's poised to revolutionize search and rescue, surveillance and more with its autonomous operation features and advanced sensors.
With more than 25 years of industry experience, Benton has held key leadership roles in program management, global supply chain, international capture, and mergers and acquisitions in the aerospace and defense industries.
Benton holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Florida.
Greetings from President Olian
Congratulations, Class of 2025! You’re poised to embark on your life journey as individuals who will influence the workplaces and the world of tomorrow. We are confident your talents, passions and education will lead to meaningful impact in all you touch. There is no doubt that these qualities will lift those around you—your family, workplace and community.
Over the course of your Quinnipiac journey, you’ve been guided by outstanding faculty and dedicated staff who are proud to stand beside you today. All that you’ve learned — and the many ways in which you’ve grown — will serve you well. In addition, you’ve gained new understanding and perspectives from one another during this profoundly transformative time in your lives. Stay connected to your Bobcat family, visit us often, and draw on the friendships and mentor relationships you’ve formed.
This day is shared with your families and friends — those who’ve supported you every step of the way. They are bursting with pride on the milestone you achieve today. Savor this moment as you begin this next chapter and know we’ll be cheering for you as your Bobcat family.
Warmly
Judy D. Olian, PhD
Mace and Medallion
The mace — a symbol of authority — has antecedents in both Roman and Medieval history. The Roman mace (fasces) was carried by a lictor before the chief magistrate of the city, as well as before the legions. During the Middle Ages, the mace (mateola), a weapon of war, became first a symbol of victory and then a symbol of authority. The mace emblazoned with the Great Seal of England became a symbol of authority in Parliament by the end of the 13th century. It is this form of the mace that was the prototype of those symbols of authority, not only of legislative bodies, but also of cities and universities.
In 1246, following some 20 years of strife, the University of Paris was finally conceded the right to its own common seal. Since then, the use of the seal engraved on the mace has come to symbolize the authority of the academic community. In July 2000, Quinnipiac commissioned the noted sculptor Robert Meyer of Westport, Connecticut, to design and execute a new mace for Quinnipiac University. Cast in bronze, the mace incorporates elements of the university seal.
The medallion (medal of office), like the mace and the seal, is also a symbol of authority. It is possible that its roots may be traced back to the Roman “bulla” (a gold amulet of honor). The obverse of the medallion shows the seal of the office the wearer holds — in our case, the seal of the university. Not infrequently, the reverse would show the personal seal or coat of arms of the bearer. Since the High Middle Ages, the medallion has been worn by such officials as the chancellors of England, mayors of cities, and rectors of universities, and came to signify the high personal position such figures occupied in their respective governments. During the Renaissance, medallion design reached unique artistic heights, and in certain portraits the medallion was given particular prominence. The medallion is worn by the university’s president. The Quinnipiac medal showcases the university seal, sculpted in relief and cast in bronze.
Photo Gallery
Moinuddin Mohmed Faruk Kothawala delivered remarks on behalf of the School of Business Class of 2025.
Anton Petrenko delivered remarks on behalf of the School of Computing & Engineering Class of 2025.
Richard Benton, Vice President and General Manager, Sikorsky, delivered the keynote address.
Gabriela Michelle Merino sang the national anthem.
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