DU Graduates Encouraged to Apply ‘Scientific Method’ in Life

A perfect Colorado day provided a picture-perfect backdrop for the 2017 summer Commencement. With blue skies and temperatures in the 70s, the University of Denver celebrated the hard work and accomplishments of 600 graduates.

Chancellor Rebecca Chopp started the ceremony by being the first to congratulate DU’s newest class of alums. She also took time to recognize their families for the sacrifices they made to help the graduates reach this point.

The University awarded 152 bachelor’s degrees, 368 master’s degrees, 75 doctoral degrees and five juris doctor degrees.

Jonathan Lopez (BSBA ’10), a residential realtor and co-founder of the Glery Ross Group at Kentwood Real Estate, delivered the alumni address. He welcomed the 2017 class of graduates to the DU alumni network, which is made up of 140,000 Pioneers around the world. Lopez encouraged graduates to stay connected with the University and alumni as a support system throughout life.

The lasting message to graduates during Saturday’s ceremony centered around ‘scientific method.’ Andrei Kutateladze, dean of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, delivered the Commencement address. He told graduates as they now head out into the world, apply scientific method ­– process information, make an informed decision and then repeat.

“The most important skill you acquire in a college or graduate school is you learn how to learn, how to analyze facts, how to deal with the unknown,” Kutateladze said. “Now that you know, never stop learning. Remain curious. Curiosity is only harmful to cats, it’s really OK for humans.”

Kutateladze told the graduates not to rush when trying to figure out their future. Instead, he recommended they take it one day at a time and always apply scientific method. Kutateladze said no matter what field of work they will be entering, if they work hard and remain inquisitive success will follow.

“Every time you receive information which may not look or feel right, confidently deploy your skepticism and scientific method,” Kutateladze said. “Process this information with your own brainpower, your own awesome brainpower, which happened to be superbly trained and refined by your favorite professors at this great university of ours.”