Catholic universities celebrate the Class of 2024 graduates
In May, Catholic universities within the Archdiocese of Newark — Seton Hall, Saint Peter’s, Caldwell, and Felician — held commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2024 graduates. The class of 2024 entered college during a lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, it was the first time they walked for a graduation as their high school most likely canceled in-person graduations. This class will be known for its resilience.
Seton Hall University
Graduates of Seton Hall University celebrated the school’s 168th Baccalaureate Commencement on Wednesday, May 22, at the Prudential Center in Newark.
Cardinal Joseph William Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark delivered an invocation at the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2024. Cardinal Tobin prayed for peace, particularly mentioning regions affected by violence and conflict, including Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, and Haiti. He emphasized the importance of seeking peace and addressing the root causes of violence, such as poverty, addiction, mental illness, and injustice.
Sister Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E., Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City State, spoke at the commencement. She urged graduates to become compassionate leaders dedicated to the common good. She also emphasized the importance of nurturing their passions. “Now it is time for you to move on and apply the knowledge and skills you have learned,” she said. “Continue to develop your gifts and talents. Grow as a person, but also give back by leading others in their own path to growth.”
Gary Cohen, a revered sportscaster known for his tenure with the New York Mets, delivered the keynote address. Cohen reflected on the resilience of the Class of 2024, not only acknowledging the challenges they faced, but also highlighting the triumphs they achieved. “Your generation has been dealt a difficult hand. And yet, you have persevered, you have accomplished, you have overcome, and sit here today as graduates,” he said. “You should be immensely proud.”
The university Interim President Katia Passerini and Incoming President of the Alumni Board of Directors Paul Tyahla ’03, M.B.A.’23 urged graduates to embrace simplicity and creativity as they navigate a world full of complexities.
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer led by Seton Hall President-elect Msgr. Joseph R. Reilly, S.T.L., Ph.D., who blessed the graduates and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the university community.
Saint Peter’s University
Saint Peter’s University celebrated its 133rd commencement on Friday, May 17 at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., H ’24, the longest-serving president in Saint Peter’s history, bid farewell after 17 years of service. Dr. Cornacchia, who will retire this year, delivered the commencement address. He was honored with a degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa (L.H.D.). This degree is conferred upon individuals who have provided exemplary service to the community.
In his address to the Class of 2024, Dr. Cornacchia emphasized a shared a journey with the graduates as they transition to new chapters in their lives. While praising the unique qualities of Saint Peter’s University, he recalled the warmth and sense of belonging he experienced upon arrival in 1981. He underscored the importance of channeling Jesuit traditions to serve the diverse student population. He also acknowledged the resilience of the Class of 2024, particularly in overcoming challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Undergraduate speaker Jheannelle Shameela Witter echoed Dr. Cornacchia’s sentiments, describing her classmates as the “Zoom class.” She also reflected on the warmth and support she found among professors upon arriving on campus. Later, graduate speaker Tonya Elisha Mele shared a personal anecdote about her grandmother’s belief in education, which inspired her to pursue an education at a Jesuit institution with the same values.
The Class of 1974 was also present, celebrating their golden jubilee.
Caldwell University
Caldwell University celebrated the accomplishments of its Class of 2024 with commencement ceremonies at the George R. Newman Center on campus. Specifically, the graduate degrees were conferred on Saturday, May 18, followed by undergraduate ceremonies on Sunday, May 19.
University President Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph. D. urged graduates to embrace personal and vocational fulfillment. “Dream big, do big things with your life. That includes raising a family, making a difference,” Senese said. He encouraged graduates to pursue their dreams, even if it meant going the opposite way of others, and urged them to “help others” along the way.
The campus community nominated graduate student Carleana Hickey and undergraduates Dhruva Patel and Samuel Annan to speak at the graduations.
Firstly, Patel addressed her classmates with a reflective message at the morning ceremony. “As we face the next chapter in our future, let’s remember the core values: respect, integrity, community, and excellence. Furthermore, the Dominican commitment to justice and service is passed on throughout our education, and it prepares all of us to contribute to a just society.”
Later, at the afternoon ceremony, Annan shared his reflections on the bonds shared by his classmates. Additionally, he reflected on the many contributions the class had made to their community collectively over the years.
Garrett Jones, Mayor of Caldwell, received an honorary degree during the undergraduate ceremony in recognition of his significant contributions to the community.
Felician University
Felician University‘s commencement ceremony took place on Thursday, May 23, at The Rink at American Dream in East Rutherford. Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez of the Department of Community Affairs delivered the commencement address. She encouraged graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Valedictorian Serina Sebbio shared reflections on her academic journey. Additionally, she encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace growth and community service. (Felician University)
The ceremony also honored esteemed faculty emeritus and distinguished students, underscoring Felician University’s commitment to academic excellence and leadership development.
