Northeastern University’s Roux Institute celebrates 174 graduates during third commencement ceremony in Portland, Maine - Northeastern University College of Science

Courtney Bloniasz, the student speaker at Northeastern University’s commencement in Portland, Maine, said to view her address as a thank you note to the Roux Institute that is transforming the lives of individuals everywhere.

It wasn’t the first and won’t be the last time she shared what she said “has affectionately been called my ‘Roux love story.’”

Bloniasz, who received her master’s degree in analytics Friday, said it was a special privilege to speak to the graduates in the class of 2024 in Merrill Auditorium.

It was the Roux Institute’s third commencement ceremony. This year, 174 graduates ages 23 to 60 received master’s degrees and master’s level certificates in fields including computer sciences, analytics, project management, biotechnology, bioinformatics and engineering.

Michael Pollastri, senior vice provost and academic lead for the Roux Institute, applauded the graduates for their pioneering role in helping to establish the institute.

“You each began your studies in the earliest days of our institute. You took a chance on us, understanding the vision and mission of the institute to build the technology and life science environment here in Maine,” Pollastri said.