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This is part of our coverage of Northeastern University’s 2024 commencement.
Sam and Lucine Kaprelian had a lot to be excited about as they waited to enter Northeastern University’s commencement at Fenway Park on Sunday afternoon.
Their son Stepan had followed in his father’s footsteps and was set to receive his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Northeastern.
Sam received the same degree from the university in 1987, so he is keenly aware of how well prepared his son is for the working world, especially given the university’s strong co-op program.
“The co-op program for us has been a huge part of our family and the way we think about how school should be,” Sam Kaprelian said. “My son has had three great job co-ops, and now he has a job offer and he starts in September.”
Sam Kaprelian was proud that the lessons he tried to instill in his son and his other children — the importance of working hard and being disciplined — had paid off.
“The sacrifices really started when they were younger, just giving them the discipline around how academics are, and being committed to being a good student,” he said.
“I wish all my kids had gone to Northeastern,” Lucine Kaprelian added.
Sam and Lucine were among thousands of parents who had traveled from all parts of the globe to watch their children take part in Northeastern’s commencement addresses.
“It’s great to see our kids accomplish what they set out to do and graduate on time,” said Chris Haggerty, whose son Noah was graduating with his undergraduate degree in applied physics. While at Northeastern, his son found a love for science journalism and became an editor in chief of the university’s science magazine.
“I always told him to be happy and be passionate about whatever you’re doing and everything will work out,” he said.
And it looks like Chris Haggerty’s advice and his son’s hard work has paid off — this summer Noah is completing a journalism fellowship at the Los Angeles Times.
Many parents at commencement had a strong sense of relief knowing their children were at the finish line.
Joanne and Mike Ruberto were beaming with pride on Sunday, reminiscing on their son Michael’s five years at Northeastern. Michael Ruberto earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from the university in 2023 and stayed on for an extra year to earn his master’s degree.
A native of New Jersey, Joanne Ruberto knew her son was in good hands after seeing her son taking part in orientation. She said she and her husband have only become more impressed in the years since.
“Everything the school has done has been so well run, including orientation, the first Parents Weekend, graduation,” said Joanne Ruberto. “They really put on a good show, and it’s a really supportive school.”
Having completed co-ops at Insulet Corp, a medical device company, and Remix Therapeutics, a biotechnology company, Ruberto is well-equipped for the working world, Joanne Ruberto said. Add that with his role on campus as the editor in chief of Red & Black sports magazine, and his involvement with Northeastern’s radio and TV stations, they have a lot to be proud of, his father, Mike Ruberto, noted.
Other parents remembered late nights serving as a sounding board as their children completed challenging projects and studies for exams.
In some ways, Rupal Dandia felt like she was getting the degree with her son Ishaan given how often she spoke with him throughout the duration of his studies as he pursued a master’s degree in experience design.
“Every other day we would talk — texts, FaceTime and phone calls,” Dandia said. “We are very fortunate that we are a very close-knit family.”
Dandia said she supported her son the best way she knew how — by listening.
“We did the job of listening to him rather than advising because he knew what he needed to do,” she said. “He just needed that love and support, which we were happy to provide because it can get challenging.”
Kimberly Brace remembers those days when she had to be her daughter Naquasha Gadsden’s biggest cheerleader as she completed her master’s degree in management and accounting analytics.
“This is my lane. Just supporting her through it — being that ear ” she said. “I’m the cheerleader saying to her — ‘You got this. You can do this.’”
As a single mom, Gadsden relied on her family members for support, many of whom were in attendance on Sunday, including her grandmother, father, aunts and sisters.
Brace credits Northeastern with challenging her daughter to be her best.
“It’s given her confidence on just how to excel forward,” she added.