During the recent fall 2024 commencement ceremonies, computer science got a special moment in the spotlight, thanks to featured speaker Eddie Villarreal MS’24.

Villarreal spoke at both commencement ceremonies on Dec. 17, having graduated from the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science with a master’s degree in software engineering. (You can watch a replay of the morning ceremony here, and a replay of the afternoon ceremony here.)

As Villarreal said in his commencement remarks, he considers three things crucial to being an engineer: Challenging the paradigm, being persistent and being confident. He also told those gathered each person earning a diploma was destined to be there.

“What you have achieved is no mistake, and where you land is no accident,” Villarreal said. “With wonder, innovation and belief, you can change the world one problem at a time.”

He also encouraged graduates, as they build their careers, to find areas where they can contribute to society.

“As engineers, it’s our job to solve problems,” Villarreal said, “but also find a spot where you can give back.”

For more details about the fall 2024 commencement ceremonies, click here.