Sayantan Dutta

A great man once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Today, we celebrate achievements, growth and new beginnings. Like many of us here today, when I first stood on this campus, I never imagined what kind of direction my life would take. My journey of hard work, perseverance and diligence at The University of Texas at Dallas has transformed and evolved me as an individual to an extent I never thought possible. Never would I have imagined back then that the simple conversation of a few minutes with a student ambassador from the Naveen Jindal School of Management would lead me to speak about it here today. That conversation was pivotal; it was about taking a leap of faith; it was about believing in my potential. Today, every second of it feels ever so valuable now.

It was truly our privilege to learn from and interact with phenomenal professors, mentors and peers. We were reminded that education is not just about finding answers, but also about pursuing insight and engaging in meaningful conversations. What truly excites me about this experience is that we were in a melting pot of business acumen and technical expertise. We are not just here to interpret numbers, but also to make a positive impact on the world.

This day and this moment do get me emotional. The love this campus has given us and the love we have given it back, let us treasure it for the rest of our lives. Let us aspire to carry forward the zeal that we have been imbued with and thrive on innovation and continuous learning to create solutions that impact the real world.

My fellow graduates, let us recognize the challenges we have overcome and the growth we have experienced. And let’s carry forward a commitment to making meaningful contributions, regardless of our path. 

Congratulations, Class of 2025! Our journey does not end here — it’s only beginning. The future awaits, and I am thrilled to be part of a generation dedicated to excellence, innovation and positive change. Let’s go out and make a better world together!

Sayantan Dutta is graduating with a Master of Science in business analytics and artificial intelligence. During his time at UT Dallas, he has served as president of the Jindal School Dean’s Council, volunteered with the Infinity Lions Club and has been actively involved in student leadership, mentorship and service. He is a Nash Leader and a member of Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. After graduation, he hopes to join an organization where he plans to bring in the same zeal, energy and resilience that he fine-tuned during his time in the Naveen Jindal School of Management.