NJIT Celebrates Enrollment Milestone After Revamped Convocation Ceremony

The 2024 academic year kicked off with a Convocation that had a different spin. With the participation of DJ Ricky Bonds, NJIT's Jazz Band 'Elementals,' Highland Dancers and bagpipers and even a special edition of Family Feud NJIT-style, the university's incoming class received an upbeat welcome.

The Class of 2028 is already making a historical impact at NJIT. Projected enrollment for the fall semester stands at more than 12,800, including the largest-ever undergraduate cohort at over 9,800 students. The incoming class is also among the most diverse in history, with 46% identifying as an underrepresented minority. And, for the first time in a class, Hispanic enrollment has eclipsed the 500-person mark.

"Students like you are adding to NJIT's strength and its prestige," said NJIT President Teik C. Lim in his welcome address. "You all are very talented and accomplished. So, we are truly lucky to have you all join this community of learners and innovators. Believe me when I say that you are in the right place at the right time with the right people around you."

Three-time alumnus Robert Cohen, now chair of NJIT's Board of Trustees and president of digital, robotics, and enabling technologies at Stryker, made emphasis on the unique opportunities first-year students have at NJIT.

"As you embark on your NJIT journey, you are not just earning a degree; you're developing a lifelong commitment to your chosen fields," said Cohen. "Excellence is not about being the best in the world, it is how you can be the best for the world. Whether you are developing new technologies, conducting research, in management, building new things or participating in community service, remember that your work will have an amazing impact on business and humanity."

Student Senate President Marina Samuel shared how NJIT has advanced with sustainability and social responsibility issues. Samuel shared that the university recently received a grant to plant 42 new trees in multiple areas around campus, the Student Senate has supported the installation of solar charging tables across campus, and the first-year honors students created a program and implemented an urban food forest.

"I encourage you to explore the countless opportunities available to you at NJIT," she said. "Your involvement can not only enrich your college experience but also make a lasting impact on our community and beyond. As mentioned before, social responsibility is interconnected with sustainability, an essential component of a thriving community."

To finalize the convocation, Provost John Pelesko reminded NJIT's new class the values shared throughout the morning, which included excellence, integrity, sustainability, social responsibility, diversity, collaboration, courage and civility.

"Civility is a foundational value that underlies all of the others," said Pelesko. "It's about how we interact, how we debate, how we disagree, how we work together on an intellectually challenging and vibrant campus. It's through each of us practicing the value of civility that together we create the community and the culture that we're so proud of here at NJIT."

Here are a few of the students of this year's incoming class:

Sofie Wong

Sofie Wong '27, a biology major from Los Angeles, says she has been drawn to the field of medicine from an early age, and she's on the fast track to reaching her goals at NJIT. Wong says her volunteer experiences at her local hospital finally inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare and apply to become one of 16 students accepted into the NJIT/ New Jersey Medical School accelerated BS/MD Program this year. Now, she's ready to discover research opportunities, as well as continue her passion for music with the university's string ensemble this semester.

"I'm excited to be in the BS/MD program... I volunteered at a hospital during high school, and seeing how selfless the nurses and doctors were towards their patients inspired me to want to do the same," said Wong, an Albert Dorman Honors College student who will study medicine for the next seven years through the program. "NJIT has a lot to offer in terms of research opportunities, so I'm looking forward to getting involved. I've also been playing the viola since 5th grade, so I can't wait to join the orchestra! Overall, being at NJIT is a great opportunity for me to make long-lasting friendships and explore the other side of the country while working towards my career."

Sai Katuri

Sai Katuri, born in India, arrives at NJIT after spending most of her life in Saudi Arabia, studying in the KAUST School. She'll be completing the architecture five-year program.

"In 8th grade design, we worked on a mini project where we designed homes. I first learned about architecture through that project," said Katuri when asked how her interest in architecture developed. "However, my interest peaked when I was invited to participate in designing our school's 'Edible Garden' project. I loved how I could combine my academic knowledge with my creativity."

Back in Saudi Arabia, Katuri started School of Rock, a club where students could come together, learn to play instruments, form bands, and perform for the community. "I helped arrange these events around the community while performing in a band too," she said. "These were some of my most memorable experiences of high school."

Ilias El Fallaki

Olympic swimmer Ilias El Fallaki will study in NJIT's Martin Tuchman School of Management. El Fallaki competed in the men's 400-meter freestyle event in the Paris 2024 games this summer, winning his first heat in 4 minutes, 1.59 seconds. He competed for Morocco and now lives in Seville, Spain. He holds the Moroccan national record in the 800-meter freestyle and is a three-time 2024 African Championships finalist. As a Highlander, he'll compete for the men's swimming and diving team under Head Coach Ron Farina.

Nathaniel Jast

For Nathaniel Jast of Stockholm, the opportunity to play NCAA Division I soccer in the U.S. was a huge draw.

Academically, he's taking a hybrid approach, focusing on both computer engineering and applied physics. "I chose applied physics because I couldn't decide between CS and engineering, so I went down the middle," he explained.

In his first year, Jast hopes to earn playing time as a midfielder and achieve a GPA of at least 3.5. Career-wise his goal is simple but wise: "Get into a field where I'm happy to work every day."

Anika Bhat

With a passion for both business and technology, Anika's interest in business and information systems was sparked by four years of hands-on experience at Mario's Famous Pizzeria in Bloomfield, N.J. She is eager to explore how different software and techniques can be integrated to create and manage databases, a skill she believes will be essential in her future career. Beyond academics, Anika brings a love for adventure, often finding joy in activities like tennis, hiking, baking and roller coasters.

Bhat, a Dean's Scholar, demonstrates a keen ability to balance a rigorous academic schedule with work and community service. Graduating within the top ten of her high school class with a 4.47 GPA, she is not only academically gifted but also resilient and driven. She has been able to finance her education independently while dedicating time to volunteer at her local library and soup kitchen. As she looks ahead, Anika aspires to a future in data analysis or IT consulting and plans to pursue a master's degree post-graduation. With dedication and enthusiasm, Bhat is set to make an impact in her chosen field and beyond.

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