Ani Sarkissian, 2015 La Cañada High School graduate, was selected as the 2019 commencement student speaker at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Henry Samueli School of Engineering 2019 commencement, which took place on June 14 at the UCI Bren Events Center. There were about a thousand students graduating from the prestigious School of Engineering, which was attended by almost 5,500 family, friends and faculty members. 

Sarkissian was loudly applauded by the audience as soon as the master of ceremonies read her biography. Earlier, Sarkissian inspired her audience with her firm and profound speech, which was rewarded by very loud and warm applause from the audience as well as the students.

Sarkissian asked everyone to reflect on their “firsts” at UCI and how every step and experience helped them grow and become who the people they are today. She encouraged them to volunteer back at the UCI community and give back to others. She also reminded everyone to express gratitude to family, friends, faculty and mentors for their support and guidance. At the end, she quoted her grandpa’s encouragement throughout college, from starting as a 10% engineer the first quarter to becoming a 100% engineer at the end of her journey.

At UCI, Sarkissian had an active role and held leadership positions in several of the School of Engineering organizations and research, for which she has received numerous recognitions and awards.