Oliver MacDonald was selected to deliver the student speech at Boise State’s 115th commencement on Dec. 14 during the 10 a.m. ceremony. He represents the College of Engineering and will earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Engineering Plus Robotics).
Along with his bachelor’s degree, MacDonald will earn three minors in computational science and engineering, applied mathematics and computer science. His impressive college career includes being chosen as Mechanical Engineering Club president – a club he’s been involved in since 2021 – as well as a guest lecturer in Engineering 180, a freshman engineering course for engineering plus majors. He is also an Honors College student.
According to Todd Otanicar, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering and interim associate dean of research affairs for the College of Engineering, MacDonald has led several initiatives to benefit the college. He pursued an engineering sculpture on campus and worked with the student government on a special funding bill for College of Engineering clubs to purchase supplies more easily.
“He represents the best of the Blue, working to improve the student experience for his peers and future students at Boise State,” Otanicar said.
This year, MacDonald pursued research in computing and systems, resulting in a conference presentation. He also co-founded QTex AI, a company that develops tools to ease the purchase of electronic equipment.
“Oliver has and will continue to impact Boise State University,” Otanicar said. “He continually brings enthusiasm, humor and creativity to the campus every day while also displaying a level of maturity exhibited by very few students. I am very excited to watch the impact Oliver will have on this world.”