Stevens Institute of Technology President Dr. Nariman Farvardin has been selected as a 2024 Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient, the college announced.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I am deeply honored to be selected as an Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient, along with so many other deserving members of the 2024 cohort, and I’m immensely grateful to the United States of America for giving me the opportunity to build a life, experience the joy of a family, pursue my career passions and contribute to the success of future generations,” Farvardin said in a statement.
“My experience as an immigrant has shaped my personal and professional journey, giving me the opportunity to overcome challenges through resilience, perseverance and hard work. I am proud of the progress we have made at Stevens in increasing access to a world-class STEM education for talented and deserving students. These students have the opportunity and the obligation to make the world a better place, and I am grateful to play a role in giving them the tools they need to contribute to this important goal.”
Farvardin was recognized for strengthening the stature of and increasing enrollment at Stevens, especially among women and minorities, expanding educational opportunities that will have generational impacts, as well as his technological prowess, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.
The Ellis Island Medal of Honor has been awarded annually since 1986 and celebrates inspiring Americans who are selflessly working for the betterment of the U.S. and its citizens. Dr. Farvardin joins a distinguished cohort of 2024 honorees, including renowned figures such as Princeton University president Christopher Eisgruber, New York Stock Exchange chair Sharon Bowen and Craig’s List founder and philanthropist Craig Newmark.
Since becoming president of Stevens in 2011, Farvardin has led initiatives including growth and improvement across key university metrics, from applications and enrollment to the academic profile of students and value of research awards.
Under his leadership, Stevens adopted an ambitious strategic plan that paved the way for the university to become a nationally recognized, globally respected technological university.
Through his efforts, Stevens invested more than $500 million in a state-of-the-art campus, including an iconic university center, a technology-powered academic building, renovations of 100% of classrooms, new student spaces and more. Moreover, he has made student success the most important metric of progress.
As a result of this focus, in 2023, Stevens was named a “High Flyer” by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ American Talent Initiative for its innovative programs for low-income students.
“Nariman Farvardin exemplifies the core values that have permeated Stevens under his leadership: integrity, discipline and an unrelenting commitment to excellence,” said Stevens Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Stephen T. Boswell.
“Under his leadership, Stevens has prioritized student success, ensuring that graduates are prepared with the skills they need not only to succeed in the future, but to lead. This prestigious honor is a testament to Dr. Farvardin’s extraordinary contributions to Stevens and to higher education and society.”
The Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 18, at Ellis Island’s Great Hall, symbolizing the gateway to opportunity for millions of immigrants to the United States.
