Gov. George Pataki Addresses NYIT Graduates in 2002

At the 2002 NYIT Commencement, graduates heard from former New York Gov. George Pataki. The commencement address was the first following the tragic events of 9/11.

As reported in the first issue of NYIT Magazine published in summer 2002, Pataki alluded to New York's remarkable resilience following the attacks and urged his audience to "never give up," regardless of the challenges ahead. "The fact that you [graduates] are here today receiving degrees from one of New York's finest institutions of higher learning is a sure sign that you are not quitters," he said. Pataki also received an honorary degree from NYIT. 

Pataki is currently a candidate for U.S. president in a crowded Republican field. He served as the 53rd governor of New York for three terms from 1995 to 2006 and as a New York state senator from 1983 to 92.

Every Thursday, Social Media Strategist Brylee Kaye shares a retro photo for #TBT (aka Throwback Thursday), a popular hashtag campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This content is featured as part of The Box's "60 Years in 60 Days" series in celebration of NYIT's 60th anniversary in 2015.