Kenny Nonso-Anyakwo

Esteemed guests, distinguished faculty members, proud parents and, most importantly, the graduating Class of 2023:

Today we celebrate a monumental milestone in our lives. As we stand at the edge of the future, let us reflect on the journey that has brought us here and the adventure ahead.

I am graduating today with my bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. It took three hard, demanding years to earn this degree, and it was a big step up from high school.

For me, this accomplishment required moving 300 miles from home, earning 141 credit hours, endless chicken and rice dinners and numerous study sessions with friends at the library.

Some of us come from the D-FW area, some from farther away. When I came to UT Dallas from Houston, I only knew two people. It was a difficult and lonely road navigating life in a new city. I struggled to make friends and adjust to being on my own.

Perhaps your experiences have been similar.

We have all faced adversity from academic hurdles to personal struggles to moments of doubt. But since then, we have joined clubs, sports teams and organizations, like LAB, where we have built new friendships.

Our college coursework was rigorous. We spent many late nights studying calculus, writing endless lab reports and facing moments of imposter syndrome. However, we refused to succumb.

We overcame challenges and stand here today as college graduates of one of the best universities in the world.

UT Dallas evolved from a small research center into one of the fastest-growing universities in just 50 years. Our University community has navigated challenges much like a rock climber scaling a steep mountain face. Similarly, with each semester, we faced obstacles, from forced isolation disrupting our routines during the pandemic to adapting to life virtually. Yet, as we reached each new summit, we discovered our collective resilience.

Our journey has been a testament to the power of inspiration. We were inspired by our professors who ignited our passion for learning. I was fortunate to participate in undergraduate research projects. Those experiences with Dr. Stefano Leonardi and Dr. Joshua Summers pushed me to develop an analytical mind, attention to detail and ability to communicate my results.

We were inspired by our peers who cheered us on during trying times. Most importantly, we were inspired by our own dreams and aspirations, driving us to strive for excellence.

We now understand the true essence of teamwork. We have witnessed the power of collaboration when diverse minds unite with a common purpose. In group projects, we learned that combining our strengths and respecting each other’s viewpoints leads to remarkable solutions.

Outside the classroom, our friends and family supported us. Last year, I fell seriously ill. The missed classes and assignments seriously overwhelmed me. However, the support of my professors who granted me extensions and the kindness of my friends and family played a vital role in my recuperation. I learned that achievement is not a solo endeavor but a collective effort. I want to give special thanks to my family, as they are the backbone of my achievements.

As we step out into the world, let us do so with the knowledge that we are equipped not only with degrees, but with invaluable life lessons. Let us never underestimate our potential.

As college graduates, it is our responsibility to lead the charge as we pursue our passions and goals.

A street poet once said, “When writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.”

As we close this chapter, let us draw on our experiences and write a new chapter filled with promise and possibility.

Adversity — it’s a word that speaks of challenges. Let us embrace adversity with determination and always hold onto hope, as these can move mountains.

Again, congratulations to the Class of 2023!

---

Kenny Nonso-Anyakwo is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Since joining UT Dallas, he completed a bachelor’s degree in three years. He is also on the verge of completing his master’s degree in systems engineering at UT Dallas. He has worked on research projects related to hardware design, big data and wind energy, including investigating early failures of wind turbine components. Additionally, he served as a design team lead with NASA, where he successfully led a team of four engineering students and executed a design proposal for extravehicular tools. He served as assistant project manager at Bell Mechanical Services, where he prepared designs for construction and maintenance projects. In addition to his formidable engineering skills, he also earned the title of 2022 IM League Basketball Champion.