Webb Institute

WEBB INSTITUTE CLASS OF 2014

NUMBER OF GRADUATES

15 with bachelor of science degrees in naval architecture and marine engineering

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Richard Goldbach, retired CEO of Metro Machine Corp., Norfolk, Virginia

Goldbach, a 1958 graduate, received an honorary degree at yesterday's graduation at the Glen Cove campus. He said American workers "have always been the foundation of America's greatness. Yet we as a country have come to treat these workers as if they are expendable. Minimum wages are grossly inadequate to raise a family. The financial benefits produced by American capitalism is progressively being diverted from America's workers to a select handful of America's very senior managers."

CLASS SPEAKER

John Carlson, 22, of Smithtown

"My mom asked me recently why I chose Webb over any other school and what set it apart from the rest," said Carlson, president of the Student Organization. "I told her that Webb has a quirky vibe to it, something I had never found anywhere else and something I would probably never find anywhere else." He compared the commencement to one of his hobbies, diving. "So here we are, all geared up and sitting on the ledge, just waiting. All that's left to do is find our buddies, take a deep breath and take the plunge."

Samantha Griswold, 22, Bay Shore

She is moving to Seattle, Washington, where she will be a production engineer. "I am most excited about applying all the information I have learned to real-life situations."

Henry Jansen, 21, Bayville

He said he will be a production engineer in a shipyard in Vancouver, British Columbia. "I have been around Long Island most of my life. It's good to get out."

David Smith, 21, Waterford, Connecticut

Smith said he will be working for a boat company in Connecticut, doing engineering work on submarines. "I am excited about starting my career, getting out of here and vacation."

Conor O'Sullivan, 22, Wayne, New Jersey

He plans to be a naval architect and said he is most excited about "traveling the world."