On behalf of UC Santa Barbara’s College of Engineering, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2023 on your achievement!

Arriving at commencement day is always a special moment worthy of celebration, but your achievements are especially worthy of note, because you endured classes over Zoom and remote learning for almost a third of your time at UCSB. Your perseverance and dedication to your education have been inspiring to witness through these unprecedented times. Thanks to the resilience, hard work, creativity, and collaborative spirit that you applied to your studies and time at UCSB, today you will receive a degree declaring you an official graduate of the UC Santa Barbara College of Engineering.

As Gaucho engineers, you are problem solvers, who not only know the essential principles of engineering, but also possess the passion, determination, and empathy to seek and find the truth to offer transformative and fresh ideas to make a difference in the world. By advancing inclusive excellence, you can transform engineering and play in role in shaping a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable future.

Congratulations to each and every one of you, and to our new group of Gaucho-graduate parents and family, who have raised you and stood by you all the way!.

Tresa Pollock, Interim Dean
Alcoa Distinguished Professor of Materials
UC Santa Barbara College of Engineering