A key feature of every NIU commencement are videos that shine a light on student journeys. And for CEET students, no two experiences are the same.
Last month, the focus turned to Aditi Venkatesh, an electrical engineering major whose story underscored her significant growth and versatility over the past four years.
Throughout her time in DeKalb, Venkatesh was a leader, researcher and mentor. Her engagement ranged from the student Supermileage team to her leadership of a student organization, research on battery properties and chemistry, and her senior design project with an aerospace company Woodward.
She immersed herself in opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, even composing for the university’s orchestra while playing the violin all four years.
Professor Don Zinger, who is also chair of the electrical engineering department, said that when he first met Venkatesh, “she was bubbling with enthusiasm to work on a Research Rookie project.”
“Her willingness to explore and grow is a big reason she’s been so successful, and with her heightened enthusiasm I am sure she will remain highly successful in the years to come,” Zinger said.
Watching the commencement video for the first time at the NIU Convocation Center, along with thousands of others in attendance, was “surreal,” Venkatesh recalled.
“I hope viewers saw the value of getting involved,” she said. “Growth often happens when you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone.”
Now she is preparing for her next chapter at ComEd, where she will begin as a rotational engineer. She worked as an intern at ComEd the past two summers—a connection that came from an engineering job and internship fair that has launched countless other Huskies in their careers.
To learn more about Venkatesh’s journey, as well as what’s next for her as a rotational engineer at ComEd, see the story in the Naperville Patch, “Featured in NIU Commencement Video, Naperville Grad Looks Ahead.”
You can also check out the commencement video about Venkatesh here. Further below are some of our previous commencement videos displaying a cross-section of budding Huskie engineers.
Previous commencement video honorees include:
Tommy Le, Mechatronics engineering (Spring 2023)
Negin Pournazari, Industrial and Systems Engineering (Fall 2023)
Soka Suliman, Mechanical Engineering (Spring 2024)
Garrett Cornier, Industrial and Systems Engineering (Fall 2024)
Courtney Shimp, Mechanical Engineering (Spring 2025)
Tobey Havens, Electrical Engineering (Fall 2025)
