BioE Major Addresses Spring 2010 Graduates

Fischell Department of Bioengineering senior Allon Meizlik was selected to address graduating students, faculty, family and friends at the A. James Clark School of Engineering Spring 2010 Commencement ceremony on May 21.

In his speech, Meizlik reflected on his time at the Clark School, including his attempt to build a hovercraft in his Introduction to Engineering Design course—an experience, he said, that taught him some of the most important lessons he and his fellow students needed to learn about teamwork and the meaning of success, which didn't always include building something that worked.

"'Behold the mighty terrapin! He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out,'" he said, quoting department namesake and University of Maryland alumnus Dr. Robert E. Fischell. "Our experiences over the past four years have prepared us to do exactly that," he continued, "—take risks and reap the rewards." Meizlik went on to praise the support and inspiration faculty and students provide to each other, and a learning environment that taught him and his classmates not only to succeed, but also how to deal with and benefit from the experience of failure. "It is an engineer’s privilege to better the world," be said, "[but] I think that we have had the added privilege of being engineers here, at the A. James Clark School of Engineering."

Meizlik will join Accenture in Philadelphia this fall as a consultant in their Technology Growth Platform division. He plans to spend the summer traveling with friends and to see family.

"The past four years have been amazing," he says of his undergraduate experience. "I've made great friends inside and outside of the classroom and have learned a lot about engineering along the way. I was honored to speak at Commencement and be able to share the excitement of the day with all of our family and friends. Now, it's time to celebrate!"

Published May 21, 2010