UAlbany's CNSE Celebrates Graduating Engineers and Computer Scientists
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 20, 2026) — With oaths, rings and pins, the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering at the University at Albany celebrated its 2026 class of graduating engineers and computer scientists.
Professors fitted the engineers with stainless steel rings symbolizing their entrance into a field that applies knowledge, skills and experience to complicated challenges. In the same vein, they attached pins to the graduation gowns of the computer scientists.
Each ritual followed a recitation of an oath to uphold ethical standards. Those acts and words of encouragement from CNSE Dean Michele Grimm collectively welcomed the graduates into professions that are essential to solving global problems.
“You’ve followed different paths, overcome different obstacles and will now move in different directions. But you leave here with a common accomplishment, a shared commitment and a place in a professional community that asks you to serve with honor,” Grimm said.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We are proud of you. We believe in you. And we look forward to seeing the difference you will make.”
The computer science oath, known as the Pledge of the Computing Professional, reads, in part, “I pledge to practice my profession with the highest level of integrity and competence. I shall always use my skills for the public good.”
After leading the recitation, Computer Science Professor and Chair Jeff Offutt said, “You’re the first generation to start with the new changes that come out of AI. That brings traditional and newly challenging issues with respect to technical excellence as well as ethics and integrity. You get to define what that means in this world. So, please help us with that.”
The engineering oath, Obligation of an Engineer, calls for upholding a “devotion to the standards and the dignity of my profession, conscious always that my skill carries with it the obligation to serve humanity by making the best use of the Earth’s precious wealth.”
Nathaniel Cady, a distinguished professor and associate dean for research, urged the graduates to keep learning, serve their communities, give extra effort at work and stay connected to professional organizations before adding a few final words of encouragement: “We are proud to have you join us.”
