Graduation delegate for commencement reflects on his time at RIT

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Dylan Heuer

Senior defenseman Chris Haltigin of the men’s hockey team will represent the College of Health Sciences and Technology and the entire RIT graduating class of 2012 as the university’s graduate delegate at commencement on May 25.

College delegate for the College of Health Sciences and Technology and the overall delegate for the graduating class of 2012, Chris Haltigin, fourth-year biomedical sciences, takes great pride and is overwhelmed by the honor of being chosen to speak. His time at RIT has given him the support he needed to pursue his athletic and academic goals, including applying for medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Question: Where are you from?
Answer: I am from Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

Q: What brought you to RIT?
A: I was recruited to play hockey here by Coach Wayne Wilson and his staff. RIT was one of a limited number of schools I was recruited by that offered biomedical sciences. It offered the best education and hockey environment that fit for me.

Q: You have a special role in commencement this year, what is it?
A: The administrators of my college, the College of Health Sciences and Technology, selected me to be the student delegate to represent our college at the main commencement as well as our individual college commencement. I was also selected from the group of graduation delegates for each college to be the overall graduation delegate for the 2012 graduating class.

Q: What did it feel like being chosen to represent your college?
A: I feel very special and overwhelmed. To be recognized by my professors and administrators is something I would have never expected. It is something I have put a lot of effort into and am very honored to be representing my college.

Q: What is your favorite memory from RIT?
A: I have enjoyed being exposed to several supportive influential professors who have allowed me the opportunity to pursue my academic goals as well as my athletic goals. If it were not for a few of these professors, I would have never made the decision to become a doctor, more specifically an orthopedic surgeon. Another thing I will always remember is going to the rink every day to be with my teammates and playing in the best atmosphere for college hockey. Our fans are second to none.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I am going to apply to medical school and eventually go into orthopedic surgery.

Q: Any advice you would give to other RIT students?
A: Enjoy your time here, work hard, push yourself to the limit and have no regrets. Go Tigers!

Scott Bureau covers student affairs for University News. Contact him at sbbcom@rit.edu with “Student Spotlight” suggestions.

Chris Haltigin