University graduations: caps, claps, hugs, and even a proposal
There were caps, claps, hugs, and even a proposal at in-person and virtual graduation ceremonies at the four universities of the Archdiocese of Newark – Caldwell University in Caldwell, Felician University in Rutherford, Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, and Seton Hall University in South Orange.
“Our nation, our world, and our Church, in fact, do face serious challenges, and we need all the help we can get,” said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., in his keynote message to graduates of Seton Hall University. “Your energy, creativity, and questions will be welcome in the global village.”
Caldwell University
Caldwell University celebrated Liturgy on the Saturday of Commencement weekend in the spirit of Catholic and Dominican tradition. An outdoor graduation ceremony was held the next day and is available online for viewing, along with other commencement highlights and a series of graduate stories.
Brittany Rose Gaule of Vernon, N.J. graduated from Caldwell University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Human Resource Management.
Gaule served in Campus Ministry, where she took advantage of several programs, including participating in the Catholic Relief Services Student Ambassadors Leadership Training summit in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. for three days one summer to learn about leadership on behalf of the poor and how students could take action on their campuses.
Gaule was invited to speak at the baccalaureate Mass the night before graduation, the Liturgy for the Feast of Pentecost.
“As Christ’s chosen ones, we are all called to spread the love and joy of Christ,” she said. “Similarly, graduation marks the beginning of our mission in the world as we enter the career paths of our choice.” Read her full story and others here.
Felician University
Over 600 graduates received bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees during Felician University’s three commencement ceremonies at the Breslin Performing Arts Center in Rutherford last weekend.
Honorary Degrees went to Dr. Deborah Visconi, CEO and president of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center; Dr. Michael Kuchar, superintendent of South Bergen Jointure Commission; and Senator Bob Gordon.
The former state lawmaker told the graduates that as he looks back at his 50-year career, the things that give him the most satisfaction are the ones that improved individual lives. He urged them to look for ways to give back, saying helping others will bring both an incredible sense of accomplishment and pure joy.
“There is nothing more fulfilling than repairing the world one person at a time,” he said. “Everyone, everyone can find ways to give back, whether by coaching sports in your hometown, serving as an EMT, volunteering at a shelter, or caring for a loved one or neighbor.”
Visconi told Felician’s 2021 graduates that attitude and work ethic are essential and can carry them far, saying, “hard work, punctuality, respect, and responsiveness were among the things that accelerated and elevated my career.”
She advised Felician new nurses to stay curious, engaged, and open to possibilities, saying they are poised to enter an exciting and growing field “that is in great demand and does great good” and reminded them that the Felician Franciscan values that underpinned their Felician education are the same values now woven into their careers in nursing.
To everyone’s surprise, one graduate received her Master of Arts in Education degree and a proposal from her now-fiancé, Jheremy Valderrama. After Elenita Elias received her diploma and began walking off the stage, she was greeted by Valderrama, who was down on one knee with a ring in his hands, ready to pop the question in front of the entire auditorium. Elias responded with a “yes!” and accepted the proposal.
Saint Peter’s University
Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City hosted two virtual commencements this year for the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021. In addition to the virtual commencements, the University also hosted smaller in-person ceremonies for graduates organized by the school. These in-person events allowed graduates to include family and friends in their celebrations. They were also livestreamed.
Students uploaded photographs, video clips, and personal messages that were shown during the virtual ceremony.
“We celebrate the gifts God has so abundantly showered on all these young men and women,” said Father Andrew Downing, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry. “We celebrate the promise their lives hold for the future. We rejoice with these graduates at this new beginning in their lives.”
Father Gregory Boyle, S.J., founder and director of the world’s largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program, Homeboy Industries, addressed the Class of 2020 during the virtual commencement.
Carlos A. Medina, Esq., president and CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ), addressed the Class of 2021. It was the 129th commencement exercise for the University. Father Gregory and Medina each received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University held three in-person graduation ceremonies at the Prudential Center for the Class of 2020 and three in-person ceremonies for the Class of 2021 at MetLife Stadium. Click here to view the commencement livestreams.
Cardinal Tobin, archbishop of Newark, received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Due to the passing of his mother, Cardinal Tobin was unable to give his scheduled keynote address. Msgr. Joseph Reilly, rector dean of the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, delivered the speech instead.
“Our nation, our world, and our Church, in fact, do face serious challenges, and we need all the help we can get,” the Cardinal wrote. “Your energy, creativity, and questions will be welcome in the global village.”
He suggested to the graduates that their life journey will look quite different depending on how they choose to travel – as a tourist or as a pilgrim.
“Your link with God will connect you with your fellow travelers in profound and, at times, disturbing ways,” the Cardinal continued. “You will recognize that the wealth of some nations is predicated absolutely on the poverty of others. You will question power that marginalizes and will ask whether the new walls are necessary. You will strive to talk with others, not about them. The eyes of a pilgrim’s heart will be able to distinguish human beings from statistics and recognize those who are forgotten by others. Even when the pilgrimage takes you far from this place, the spirit you breathed at Seton Hall University will guide the choices you make.”
Featured image: An aerial image of Caldwell University’s 79th Annual Commencement. (Courtesy of Colette M. Liddy)
