Integrated Innovation Institute Celebrates December 2023 Graduates
Integrated Innovation Institute celebrates at December 2023 events for MSSM & MIIPS graduates.
By Jess Ignasky
In December 2023, the Integrated Innovation Institute held a diploma ceremony celebrating the Master of Science in Software Management (MSSM) class of 2023 in Silicon Valley, and a graduation celebration celebrating the Master of Integrated Innovation for Products & Services (MIIPS) class of 2023 in Pittsburgh.
Master of Science in Software Management Diploma Ceremony
![A group of graduates stand in a group wearing their graduation gowns and regalia. They are cheering excitedly as they toss their caps into the air](images/mssm_december-2023_900x600.jpg)
The MSSM Diploma Ceremony began with the Return on Education Award presentation to Distinguished Service Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, Dr. Catherine Fang (MSSM ‘11). This award was created in 2009 to recognize alumni who have successfully applied their education to their professional lives and who will inspire students to do the same.
Apart from working as an adjunct professor in the MSSM program, Dr. Fang has over 20 years of experience in the software industry and academia. She serves as a valuable mentor and advisor to students in the program, bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom.
![Two women stand against a red backdrop in graduation regalia, they hold an award between them and are smiling at the camera](images/catherine_roe_900x600.jpg)
After Dr. Fang’s speech, Professor Sheryl Root introduced the Student Leader Award recipients, Sherrie Cao (MSSM ‘23) and Navtej Singh (MSSM ‘23).
![Two students stand beside their professor against a red backdrop, all dressed in graduation regalia. The students each hold a certificate.](images/sherrie_navtej_900x600.jpg)
This award, voted on by CMU-SV faculty of the iii, honors students who were great students and ambassadors for the MSSM program.
The ceremony ended with a speech by student-elected speaker, Sri Tejaswi Gattupalli (MSSM ‘23). Gattupalli spoke about the comradery of the cohort and the many experiences that they were a part of in Silicon Valley together.
![A student dressed in graduation regalia addresses fellow graduates from a podium on a stage](images/tejaswi_900x600.jpg)
“I’m so glad that we got to come here and experience the people and companies that inspire us,” Gattupalli remarked.
Check out more photos from the MSSM diploma ceremony:
![](images/mssm_december-2023_grid_900x600.jpg)
![](images/mssm_december-2023_grid2_900x600.jpg)
Master of Integrated Innovation for Products & Services Graduation Celebration
![A group of about 40 students sit on a set of stairs.Their arms are extended and waving and they are smiling and cheering with excitement and joy](images/miips_december-2023_900x600.jpg)
The MIIPS graduation celebration began with a speech from student-elected speaker, Wendi Yin (MIIPS ‘23). Yin remarked on learning in the program that life is “not a straightforward highway…but a series of alternative routes.”
“When I came to MIIPS, I realized it was very different from everything I had experienced. It created an unbiased playground for us to explore the status quo, find out the issues, and develop solutions on our own.”
![A woman in a white dress stands at a podium. She is mid-speech and holding her hands up while talking.](images/wendi_900x600.jpg)
After Yin’s speech, MIIPS program director, Ellen Ayoob, presented the Student Leader Award to Kyle Clark (MIIPS ‘23).
![A student accepts an award from their professor](images/kyle_900x600.jpg)
This award, similar to the MSSM Student Leader Award, is voted on by iii faculty and honors a student who was a great student and ambassador for the MIIPS program.