BP Desk
In a landmark announcement, Washington University of Science and Technology (WUST) unveiled a $2 million startup fund for its students during the university’s Convocation 2025, held at the Alexandria City High School auditorium.
The declaration came from WUST Chancellor and Chairman, Engr. Abubokor Hanip, in front of a packed hall celebrating the graduation of 263 students from the 2024–2025 academic year.
The auditorium was filled to capacity with nearly a thousand attendees—graduates joined by a vibrant and diverse audience representing various student communities and cultural backgrounds.
“Today, I’m proud to announce launching a bold new Innovation & Entrepreneurship Incubator. And we’re not just offering space or mentorship—we’re offering capital,” said Chancellor Hanip, as applause filled the room.
“Yes—up to $2 million!” he reiterated, to another wave of cheers from graduates, faculty, and guests.
“If you have a product, a service, a vision that solves a real problem—we are prepared to invest up to $2 million per selected idea. Because we believe your ideas are not just academic—they’re transformational,” he added, emphasizing the university’s commitment to turning student potential into real-world impact.
“We don’t want our graduates to just look for opportunities—we want you to create them. And we are committed to walking with you every step of the way,” Abubokor Hanip said.
President Dr. Hasan Karaburk congratulated the students on their hard work and achievement, stating that their assignments, participation in live classes via GoToMeeting, and attendance in on-campus sessions all played a vital role in earning their degrees.
The ceremony featured a keynote speech from Soma Syed, the first Bangladeshi American judge at the New York City Civil Court, who inspired graduates with her personal journey of resilience and ambition.
“Yes, you made it and now you need to take it to the next level,” she told the graduates. Drawing from her own path from attorney to judge, she advised: “Your perseverance must help you to be resilient.”
Quoting the great philosopher and poet Rumi, she added, “You were born with potential. You have wings. Learn to use them and fly.”
Syed also referenced the struggles and triumphs of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, urging students not to give up no matter the odds.
Virginia State Senator Saddam Azlan Salim emphasized the power of self-empowerment and its ripple effect on the community. “If you can change one person's life, it will contribute to changing society as a whole,” he stated.
Henry C. Eickelberg, Treasurer of Loudoun County, advised students to think independently. “Make your own mind, make your own choices,” he said. “Decision you make yourself to determine your destiny.”
More than two dozen WUST faculty members, led by Dr. Jefferies Pirim, Vice President of Academic Affairs, were present on stage during the convocation. Meanwhile, Vice President of Operations, Dr. Shane Cho, led the organizing team whose dedicated efforts helped make the event a memorable and graceful occasion.
Other distinguished speakers included Dr. Anis Rahman, President of Applied Research & Photonics; Mrs. Farhana Hanip, WUST CFO; Mr. Siddique Sheik, WUST Board Member and Founder & Chairman at USPICC; and Mohammad Mahdee-Uz-Zaman, Director of the School of Professional Studies of WUST.
“Your diploma is a piece of paper unless your determination, dedication, intellectual capacity, and self-understanding become the real asset,” said Dr. Rahman.
“Believe in your own ability and let your passion guide you,” added Farhana Hanip.
"Live not only for you but also for others," advised Siddique Sheikh.
“Define your own path, your personality, and individuality to shape the new world, the new era of technology,” said Mahdee-Uz-Zaman.
The event concluded with the ceremonial distribution of diplomas, led by Prof. Apostolos Eliopoulos for the School of IT and Dr. Mark Robinson for the School of Business Administration.
As WUST President Dr. Karaburk officially declared the graduation of the Class of 2025, students turned their tassels and tossed their caps high into the air in a moment of celebration. The occasion closed with joyous photo sessions and applause, capturing memories of an unforgettable milestone.
