INI Diploma Ceremony 2024 Reflects on Past Achievements and Looks Towards the Future

Family and friends gathered on Sunday, May 12, at the Information Networking Institute (INI) diploma ceremony to celebrate the culmination of the hard work and dedication of the 2024 graduating class. 113 students gathered with loved ones and supporters at Rodef Shalom for the ceremony.   

The 2024 INI diploma ceremony held a special significance: this year marks Dr. Dena Haritos Tsamitis’s 20th year as director of the INI. In her annual address, Haritos Tsamitis reflected on her two decades of leadership and shared her wisdom with students as they prepared to enter a global community of over 2,800 INI alumni.  

“This year, my message to you is this: remember to live well,” she said. “Surrounded by hard-working individuals and driven by the desire to solve problems, we often become too narrowly focused on professional goals. But you're more than your education and future career successes. I encourage you to keep your eye on that broader vision. Living well means nourishing your soul, engaging with the world in ways that align with your values and not losing sight of what truly matters.”  

The INI has a vibrant and engaged community that grows with each new cohort of graduates. And this community is what Haritos Tsamitis believes should not be forgotten. “I can promise you this,” she said. “Twenty years from now, when you look back at your accomplishments, you will value your community and relationships just as highly as you value your career successes — if not more.” 

Keynote speaker Samuel Edoho-Eket continued the theme of self reflection in his address, reflecting on the nature of time. “The one thing I do know about time is that it is limited,” he said. “No matter howmuch wealth, no matter how much success you accumulate over the years, just remember that your time is valuable. It is the one thing you cannot get back.” 

Edoho-Eket graduated from the INI’s Master of Science in Information Networking (MSIN) program in 2004. At the INI, he also earned the distinction of being a CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) scholar, a competitive program that prepares graduates for cybersecurity careers in the federal government. Following his graduation, Edoho-Eket served with the Department of Defense and then went on to found PrismSix Technologies, an information technology consulting company.  Edoho-Eket was inducted into the SFS Hall of Fame in January 2024 for his outstanding contributions to national defense; Haritos Tsamitis presented him with the award during the ceremony in Washington, D.C., where she asked him to present the 2024 keynote address to graduating INI students.

 “My message to you, my fellow graduates, is to value your time. Act with urgency and go about your life as if every moment was precious and there is not a second to waste.” 
– Samuel Edoho-Eket

Throughout his speech, Edoho-Eket reinforced the powerful nature of time, reminiscing about his journey from INI student to cybersecurity professional. He noted some of his personal challenges, successes and memories of his time on campus, culminating in a dedication and acknowledgment of the incredible work done by Haritos Tsamitis throughout her 20 years as director. “It’s been an honor to go through my career, look over my shoulder, and see the INI continue to grow and thrive,” he said. 

Following Edoho-Eket’s address, INI founder Dr. Marvin Sirbu took the stage to recognize the 113 graduates in attendance who now join a global network of industry and government leaders.