 |
Commencement day luncheon:
An international tradition at the Dornfeld's
By Marguerite Rigoglioso
Every year, after commencement winds down, newly minted mechanical
engineering graduates head to a quieter venue – the home
of mechanical engineering professor and associate dean of interdisciplinary
studies David Dornfeld and his wife, Barbara. There, in the Dornfelds’
elegantly appointed Berkeley home, graduates, along with their
families and a handful of returning alumni, celebrate the day.
The stand-up affair has become something of a tradition. "I
guess my wife and I have been hosting this get-together since
about 1980," said Dornfeld. "It’s something we
really look forward to every year. The students work hard, and
we enjoy honoring them in a way that puts a personal touch on
their professional accomplishments."
Among the more than 40 people at this year’s gathering were
the five students who received mechanical engineering graduate
degrees under Dornfeld. For one of them, Andrew Chang, the luncheon
marked the culmination of eight years with Dornfeld, first as
an undergraduate lab assistant, then as a graduate student. "Dave
has been a wonderful adviser and mentor," Chang said. "That
spirit really comes through in these parties." At this spring’s
event, guests enjoyed gourmet finger food while getting to know
each other – that is, where common languages permitted.
"Only about 25 percent of the research group is American,
so this is truly a cross-cultural gathering," said Barbara
Dornfeld of her guests, whose native countries spanned Asia, Europe,
Central, and South America. "In fact, this party is the first
opportunity for many of our guests be in an American home."
"I’m very proud of these students," Professor
Dornfeld said. "I’ve set high standards for them in
everything they’ve done, and they’ve come through
brilliantly. I’ll be sad to see them leave, but what’s
gratifying is that most students remain in our lives forever.
They’re really our family."
|
