Dear Class of 2023:

Congratulations on your graduation! I am thrilled to celebrate all of the students who are graduating this year, including our very first cohort of Master of Analytics students. As our inaugural class, you faced unique challenges, but you approached the program with great determination, diving deep into the coursework, taking leadership roles, and becoming innovators equipped with the power of analytics to unlock new possibilities and solutions across industries. 

This year 27 ORMS undergraduates, 64 IEOR undergraduates, 139 masters of engineering, 76 masters of analytics, 14 masters of science, and 12 PhD students will graduate from the IEOR department. These 332 students will join the ranks of over 5,000 IEOR alumni who are making a positive impact in industry, government, and academia all over the world.

This year’s graduates embody UC Berkeley's spirit of innovation, academic rigor, and commitment to excellence. As students of Berkeley IEOR, you have learned cutting-edge methodologies, optimization techniques, analytical tools, and so much more. Each of you possesses the knowledge, skills, and passion to change the future in ways we haven’t yet imagined, and I look forward to witnessing the achievements that await each and every one of you.

As you embark on new adventures, remember to bring not just your technical expertise into the world, but also your ability to think critically, adapt to change, and remain resilient. Remember the interdisciplinary and human elements of IEOR. Seek collaborations with professionals from diverse backgrounds, challenge the status quo, and strive to be inclusive, sustainable, and ethical in all you do. Whether your path takes you into academia or industry, whether you choose to focus on the financial sector, energy systems, or any other related field, I know that you will make a difference and positively impact the lives of those around you. 

While this chapter of your journey with Berkeley IEOR comes to a close, it marks the beginning of your lifelong connection to our vibrant network of Berkeley IEOR alumni. Remember, we are the only IEOR department in the UC system. You are now part of a unique group of UC alumni with analytical skills who can take on challenges in any sector of the economy and any company with the confidence of your strong training. We invite you to join our Alumni LinkedIn page, stay connected with us on social media, and share your exciting life updates and career milestones with us. We hope to see you at future alumni events and encourage you to drop by and say hello whenever you can. 

Congratulations, once again. The Berkeley IEOR community is thrilled to celebrate this milestone with you. Go Bears!

Alper Atamturk
Professor and Chair