New Florida Tech president tells students to celebrate, then 'get to work'

J.D. Gallop, Florida Today
·1 min read

MELBOURNE — In his first major public address to students, newly named Florida Institute of Technology John Nicklow told graduates to reflect and think on the impact they could have on the world, not just with equations but also community.

“A Florida Tech education is about so much more than equations and experiments. It’s about perseverance, critical thinking, problem solving. And it’s about expanding your world and learning and working with others that are different from you and have different backgrounds from you,” Nicklow said.

Florida Tech President John Nicklow gives first major address to students during commencement
Florida Tech President John Nicklow gives first major address to students during commencement

More than 700 graduates — from 28 different countries — listened intently as Nicklow and others held the commencement program on campus Saturday.  The commencement speaker was Jorge Mesquita, a 1983 graduate of the university. Mesquita serves as CEO of Blue Triton Brands in July 2021, managing a portfolio that includes leading water brands such as Poland Spring, Deer Park, Ozarka, Ice Mountain, Zephyrhills, Arrowhead, and Pure Life.

Nicklow, a Pennsylvania native, previously served as provost for academic affairs at Southern Illinois University. He earned his civil engineering degree from Bucknell University and a doctorate in the same field at Arizona State University.

Hundreds attended Florida Tech's commencent ceremony Saturday
Hundreds attended Florida Tech's commencent ceremony Saturday

Nicklow, who began his term July 1, has already been making the community rounds. Saturday, he told students to stay focused on their life’s work.

“My advice to you today is short and simple: Take today to reflect and celebrate. Really celebrate. And then, get to work," he said. "And work hard. Keep learning. And maybe most importantly, keep contributing to your field of study, your career and your community. Your alma mater can’t wait to see the difference you are going to make in our world.”

Florida Institute of Technology students ready for commencement Saturday.
Florida Institute of Technology students ready for commencement Saturday.

J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jdgallop@floridatodan.com. Twitter: @JDGallop.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: New Florida Tech president Nicklow gives first address to students