Wednesday, May 28 , 2025
To Our Graduates and Guests
Congratulations, felicidades, welcome, and bienvenidos to New Jersey City University’s 2025 Commencement!
Commencement is a joyous culmination of our university’s academic year, and a celebration steeped in rich tradition. Today, we pause to celebrate the tenacity, grit, and resilience of our students. I am proud to join you and your loved ones to honor the impressive achievement of earning a degree from New Jersey City University.
Whether you cross the stage today with an undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degree, this ceremony represents both the culmination of your educational journey and the dawn of your next chapter—a journey that stands as a profound testament to your perseverance through countless hours of dedication, resilience, and hard work. As you stand at this significant milestone, please take a moment to truly soak in this achievement, feeling both the weight of your accomplishment and the lightness of possibility that now opens before you as many of you pursue further education, start businesses, serve in our community's classrooms and hospitals, protect our neighborhoods, or enter the workforce as the next generation of leaders.
This moment belongs not just to you, but to all those whose unwavering support made it possible: family members who sacrificed, friends who encouraged, faculty who challenged, and staff who guided you through every step of your academic journey. Their investment in your success deserves recognition, just as your determination deserves celebration, for this ceremony honors not merely what you've learned or where you're heading, but who you've become along the way.
Regardless of your path to our nearly century-old campus, what sets NJCU graduates apart is the extraordinary resilience, unwavering grit, and fierce determination that define your character. Earning a degree is never easy, but the journey our students navigate is often paved with exceptional challenges that would derail many others. You—our graduates—have consistently refused to surrender to circumstances. Many of you—like me—are breaking generational barriers as firstgeneration college graduates. You've balanced demanding jobs while pursuing academic excellence, raised families while
writing papers, cared for loved ones while studying for exams, and overcome financial hardships while never losing sight of your goals. This unparalleled tenacity distinguishes NJCU graduates in the workforce and in life. Today, we celebrate not just your academic achievement, but your indomitable spirit that turned obstacles into stepping stones. The resilience you've demonstrated here will be your greatest asset long after the memory of specific courses fades. You've proven that determination can overcome any barrier when pursuing the most noble of goals: creating a better future for yourself, your family, and your community.
Class of 2025, the future is unpredictable, and nothing is certain but here’s a promise. In the years ahead most of you will not remember what was said here today but I hope with all my prayerful heart — con todo mi Corazón — that all of you will remember how you felt today. It will lift you when life happens. It will carry you when walls obstruct your path and when ceilings keep you from climbing — you’ll be able to knock them down and break through. When people and circumstances who can’t control you, seek to define you, remember this feeling. Remember what you overcame and what you defied. I hope that you will remember this as you embark on this new phase of your life.
In all your future pursuits, remember what you have accomplished and how you achieved it. Embody our motto, “Enter to Learn, Exit to Serve.” I look forward to seeing how your life unfolds with purpose and grace. I urge you to be actively engaged citizens of the world. Embrace our diversity, advocate for justice, and use your education and experiences to effect meaningful change in your communities and beyond. You’ll find your Gothic Knight family in your corner proudly cheering you on and reminding you that you earned your armor.
Onward and upward. Nunca para atrás, ni para coger impulso.
With admiration and affection, Andrés Acebo Interim President
Luke Visconti, Chair, ’13 (Hon.)
Raphael Salermo, Vice Chair
Natalie Brathwaite
Carlos Lejnieks
Jenny Davis Toth
Irene Trowell-Harris, ’71, R.N., Major General USAF, Retired
Edward A. Whittaker, Ph.D.
Board of Trustees
Ex Officio
Andrés Acebo, J.D., President
Dr. Venessa Garcia, Faculty Representative
Peter Hernandez, NJCU Foundation Chair
Student Trustees
Dominic Yarson, (voting), ’27
Branda Logan, (non-voting), ’26
Emeritus Trustees
Marilyn Williams Bennett, ’71, M.A., ’75, M.A.
John J. Moore, ’56, J.D., L.L.M.
NJCU Foundation Board of Directors
Peter Hernandez, Chair
Edward O'Connor, Vice Chair
Jeffrey Martinez, Treasurer
Ashley L. Atkins, Secretary
Lizette Delgado-Polanco, (ex officio)
Natalie Brathwaite
Carol Cuadrado
Will Eaves
Nicole Leon
Stephanie Lezcano
Jose Lozano
Rolando Murillo
Joseph Nyamwange
Adam San Miguel, ’18
Kevin Schmidt, ’89
Aisha Thomas-Petit
Timothy White, ’99
Judith Wodynski, ’76, ’77 M.A.
Paulo Acevedo
Anatalia Aponte
Glenzel Baker
Isabel Diaz
Amiah Edmondson
Joe Edwards
Angie Flores
Isabel Gallur
Musical Theatre Workshop
October Gomes
Conner Jace-Basile
Jay Jones
Alicia Pavon
Katrina Rada
Joshua Rosenthal
Mathew Segovia
Michael Serra
Senior Class Response
Samantha D. Jaipersaud, ’25, B.A. in Philosophy
(Double minor: Pre-Law and Political Science)
2025 Senior Class Officers
Peter Filfil
Senior Class Officer
Eriny Girgis
Senior Class Officer
Eva Girgis
Senior Class Officer
Ashley Ibokwe
Senior Class Officer
Isra'a Sbateen
Senior Class Officer
Tatyana Serrato
Nebula Vidal
Vinyl
Bryliz Yalleny
Marc G. Dalio
2025 Student Government Association (SGA)
Shahod Augustin, ’25, President
Jeremiah Yorker, ’25, Executive Vice President
Iris Gonzalez, ’25, Vice President of Internal Affairs
Krystal Zaragoza, ’25, Vice President of Finance
Christian Thomas-Spletzer, Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing
Program
Processional
Mace Bearer
Presiding
The National Anthem
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, Land of Hope and Glory Edward Elgar
John Donnellan , DPS, MBA, President, University Senate
Andrés Acebo, J.D., President
The Star-Spangled Banner, by Francis Scott Key Isabel Gallur, ’25, Jalen Garraway, ’25 and October Gomes, ’25
Musical Piece
Imagine, by John Lennon
Musical Theatre Workshop
Greetings Welcome
Recognition of Alumni and Class of 1975
Student Reflection
Donna Breault , Ph.D., Interim Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Andrés Acebo, J.D., President
Conferral of Honorary Degrees
Pia Stevens-Haynes, Dean of Students
Samantha D. Jaipersaud , B.A. in Philosophy ’25 (Double minor: Pre-Law and Political Science)
Andrés Acebo, J.D., President, and Luke Visconti, Chair, NJCU Board of Trustees
Former U.S. Senator George Helmy Executive Vice President, Chief External Affairs and Policy Officer for RWJBarnabas Health; former N.J. Senator and Chief of Staff
Ambassador Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón Pioneering leader in law, diplomacy, and public service; former Ambassador to Spain, Andorra, and Uruguay
Commencement Speaker
President’s Charge to the Graduates
Presentation of Degree Candidates
Ambassador Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón
Andrés Acebo, J.D., President
Esther Nir, J.D., Ph.D., Interim Dean, College of Professional Studies
Lourdes Sutton, Ed.D., Acting Dean, Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education
Jayadhurganandh (J.D.) Jayaraman, Ph.D., Interim Dean, School of Business
Scott Mittman, Ph.D., REM, CESCO, Interim Dean, William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences
Acceptance of Diplomas
Deans assisted by associate and assistant deans of each college
Conferral of Degrees
Alma Mater
Recessional
Andrés Acebo, J.D., President
Green and Gold, Will Hayes, ’36, Ph.D., and Aubrey Kemper, ’36
Isabel Gallur, ’25, Jalen Garraway, ’25 and October Gomes, ’25
Arsenal, Jan van der Roost Coronation March, Giacomo Meyerbeer
Honorary Degree Recipient
Ambassador Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón Pioneering Leader in Law, Diplomacy, and Public Service
A pioneering leader in law, diplomacy, and public service, Ambassador Reynoso’s transformative journey from her roots in the Dominican Republic to the highest levels of global leadership exemplifies resilience and excellence.
She has served as the first woman to be U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Chief of Staff to First Lady Jill Biden, and Co-Chair of the White House Gender Policy Council, advancing equity and inclusion worldwide. She previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay under the Obama Administration and served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.
In her role as Ambassador, Julissa oversaw a critical U.S. mission with a host of U.S. federal agencies covering economic, political, and defense and security matters. She was a tireless advocate for American companies doing business in Spain and supported historic levels of investment by Spanish companies in the U.S. During her tenure, Spain was the host of the 2022 NATO Summit and held the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Today, Ambassador Reynoso Pantaleón serves as a Partner in the law firm of Winston & Strawn LLP. She has extensive legal and policy experience, engaging both as a lawyer in private practice and as an experienced senior diplomat and policymaker on behalf of the U.S. government.
A member of the firm’s Executive Committee and a multilingual partner, Ambassador Reynoso focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, regulatory enforcement, international arbitration, and cross-border disputes. She provides U.S. and international clients with strategic advice and risk assessment in managing transnational issues. She advises a wide variety of clients, including institutions, companies, and individuals over a myriad of sectors.
Ambassador Reynoso's extensive experience includes analyzing and advising on complex cross-border litigations, investigations, and disputes before U.S. courts and federal agencies. She has conducted arbitrations under major international rules, including the ICC and UNCITRAL, and managed a host of bilateral investment treaty disputes.
Ambassador Reynoso's academic achievements, including degrees from Harvard University, the University of Cambridge, and Columbia Law School, and her commitment to systemic change make her an inspiring figure for NJCU’s diverse, first-generation student body.
Honorary Degree Recipient
Former U.S. Senator George Helmy
Executive Vice President, Chief External Affairs and Policy Officer for RWJBarnabas Health
Mr. Helmy is Executive Vice President, Chief External Affairs and Policy Officer for RWJBarnabas Health. RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest integrated health care delivery system, providing treatment and services to more than three million patients each year. Mr. Helmy served as a United States Senator from September 2024 through December 2024 after being appointed by Governor Murphy to fill a vacancy.
From February 2019 through September 2023, Mr. Helmy served as Chief of Staff to Governor Murphy. In this capacity, Mr. Helmy helped oversee all aspects of state government, including managing the day-to-day operations of the Governor’s Office. Since joining the Murphy Administration, Mr. Helmy has managed and overseen the Governor's major policy initiatives, legislative agenda, communications strategy, intergovernmental relations, private sector engagement, and community outreach, among other responsibilities. He also served as the Governor’s point person for the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Helmy was the longestserving gubernatorial Chief of Staff in New Jersey history.
A native of Jersey City, Mr. Helmy previously served for three years as State Director to U.S. Senator Cory Booker, serving on the Senator's senior staff and overseeing the day-to-day operations of his New Jersey offices. Prior to serving as State Director, he worked as Senator Booker’s state office Deputy Chief of Staff for two years.
Before serving in Senator Booker’s office, Mr. Helmy worked in the private sector with two Fortune 100 companies and served as an aide to the late U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, handling issues such as gun safety and financial affairs.
Mr. Helmy was nominated to the Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey by Governor Murphy and confirmed by a unanimous vote of the New Jersey Senate. He sits on the Capital Planning, Execution and Asset Management, Governance and Ethics committees. Mr. Helmy also serves on the Rutgers University Board of Governing where he serves on the Finance and Facilities Committee.
Mr. Helmy received his Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and a Master’s degree from Harvard University. His dedication to bridging cultural and political divides align with NJCU’s mission to empower underrepresented voices. Mr. Helmy’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of opportunity, perseverance, and service in building inclusive communities.
DEGREE CANDIDATES
This list is not official. It contains the names of candidates whose degrees are contingent upon completion of final degree requirements.
*August 2024 Graduates
**August 2025 Tentative Candidates
***Honors Program
School of Business
Master of Business Administration
FINANCE
Business Analytics
Simran Anand
Hajra Adeel Asif*
Chamar Chantal Coursey
Desamparados Fabra Crespo**
Nicole Y. Huaman
Ezgi Kasapcopur
Femina Firoz Rizvi
Alex Sanchez
Joseline Melissa Soto Figueroa
Finance
James Michael Bajor
Brandie Miller*
Sebastian Morales**
Ransford Kofi Okyere
Emmily Valado
MARKETING
Caitlin Rose Costello
Djadji Sylla-Samassa*
ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
Yaritza Amaya
Jennah A. Austin
Krista Noelle Bartko**
Lakera A. Benjamin
Horace A. Daughety
Terence Gilyard Jr.
Rhondi Gregory*
Aisha Lea McEachern-Hill*
Sandy Samy Missiha
Jason Plaksin**
Jose Luis Santana
Brianna Sosa-Torres
Anastasios Lambros Tsoukalas
Daniela M. Velasquez Salinas
Natasha Lucia Veras
Stacy-Ann Moneisa Vernon
School of Business
MANAGEMENT
Health Care Management
Lareb Choudhary
Grace Mumbe Onakasongo
Alexander O. Ozojie**
Arpan M. Patel
Supply Chain and Maritime
Port Management
John Marshall Frankovitch
Angelica M. Gamboa
Immanuel McCord
Seth Kwabena Ofosuhene
Master of Science
ACCOUNTING
Elhussein Merzek Abdelgalil Sr.
Alan Matthew Aguirre
Rose Jalizze Arias
Khaled Samir Badran
Lydia Ducasse
David Michael Franza
Alexander Jesus Fuentes
Diane Pouna
Sindy J. Rivera*
Aileny Santos*
Erika Tapia
FINANCE
Business Analytics and Data Science
Shashank Baluni
Delaney Donnellan
Divya Gunde
Adnan Kpodo
Ruichuang Mao
Esther Boluwatife Oluwasanmi
Arsh Jasmin Patel
Camila Saez
Amit Vanage*
Zhuolin Xie
Qiliang Yang
Grace Yeung**
Business Information Systems
Elijah X. Crawford*
Sandra Nicole De Oliveira
Steven Gonzalez
Financial Analysis
Caneleon Thibaut Nyape Yinga
Financial Management
Keyshawn Jagroop
Financial Risk Management and Compliance
Colleen Ann Ponik*
Financial Technology
Adeel Asif
Joseph John Bertolini
Kayla Connelly
Ross Tan
Bachelor of Arts
Brandon Chidubem Agwu
Destiny Alexus Duhaney**
Jessica J. Gutierrez
Andy Patricio Nunez*
Adedamola Ghadebo Oloko*
Hugo A. Rios
Magna Cum Laude
Darren Andrew Seelochan
Cum Laude
Bachelor of Science
Osman Abdelhamid**
Richardson Abraham
Maryluz Acosta
Cum Laude
Ashley Adames
Cum Laude
Nathan Steve Aguilar
Jocelyn Aguilar-Martinez
Summa Cum Laude
Jaeden Ikaika Agustin
Cum Laude
Rola I. Allam
Antonio Almeida
Ugochi Salome Anonyuo
Anais Aramburo**
Cum Laude
Kainat Arif
Magna Cum Laude
Lourdy E. Aristilde*
Laisha Kalany Arreaga
Andrew Arroyo
Ricky Asemota*
Nicholas Atehortua
Enderawes B. Attia
Edward Issac Banach Jr.***
Danika Shaniela Bartley*
Domingo Anthony Batista**
Cum Laude
Selena Beharry*
Magna Cum Laude
Sebastian Grau Bellone
School of Business
Patricia Latrice Benson
Gary Paul Berkowitz**
Maria Borges
Katie Borjas
Roman Boukpessi**
Lesly Susana Cabrera*
Kiara Calderon
Summa Cum Laude
Elenilson Abraham Calix***
Trinity T. Campbell*
Juliana Marleny Carrillo
Skylah Jade Cartwright*
Samantha Castillo*
Mike James Castoro
Carlos Javier Castro Mojica*
Ariana Nicole Catala-Ramirez
Samantha Champion
Chloe Lopez Chan*
Umar Ali Chaudhry
Summa Cum Laude
Krishna Sanjay Chauhan
Kevin A. Chavez
Ivana Sarahi Cherres Romero
Alanna Ciarlandini
Marcus Fritz Cineus
Alexis Cooper
Lucca Cordone
Roberto Jayce Cortes
Magna Cum Laude
Ryan Louis Cotterell
Francheska Cruz**
Hensly Cruz
Magna Cum Laude
Rheanna Maurissa Daniel
Bhumi Ramesh Darji
Jason Dasilva*
Jon Manuel De Jesus**
Miguel Angel De Jesus
Thierry Delisca
Marli Elena Dellosa
Matthew Charles Derrig
Brandon R. Diaz
Wancer A. Disla Diaz
Summa Cum Laude
Shernett Justina Dobson*
Stephanie Dominguez*
Cum Laude
Lisa Dee Dudley
Mahfouz A. Ebderehim
Ethan Angelo Edmilao
Magna Cum Laude
Bryan Eddy Ekoue
Reem Ashraf Elbaz
Izza Elbougha
Mona A. Elshehaby*
Fernando Escamilla
Peyton Esposito
Cum Laude
Sahra Ashley Evrad
Magna Cum Laude
Jorkaef Fallas
Khaled Faragalla
Angelina Laila Feldman
Nayla Aray Fernandez
Jenessy Renee Fernandez
Cum Laude
Bryan Manuel Fernandez
Shomari Scott Finch
Angelica Carolina Flores
Lateja Kiara Trineece Francis***
Cum Laude
Ashley Frost
Tyler Joshua Fuget
Dylan Noel Fulgencio
Olivia Marie Furnback
Magna Cum Laude
Vivek Kedar Gadgil
Alex David Garcia
Sophia F. Garcia* ***
Michael Manuel Garcia*
Summa Cum Laude
Megan Lynn Garretson
Seynabou Gaye*
Marina Ghaly
Kenneth Albert Gil
Emani Janay Givens
Magdelina K. Gomes
Cum Laude
Greysi D. Gomez
Jorge Eduardo Gomez
Anne Kathryn Cacho Gonzales*
Magna Cum Laude
Gabriel Daniel Gonzalez
Andrea Denise Goodwin*
Daniela Granda Elejalde
Summa Cum Laude
Manoli Guerrero
Sandra Kristina Guerrero
Julian Maximus Gutierrez
Sharon Natasha Guzman
Camila Guzman
Cum Laude
Ola H. Hasanin*
Kareem Medhat Hassan*
Shadira Imani Herk
Katelyn Maire Herman*
Jason Hernandez
Michell Herrera-Medel
Ehasan U. Hoque
Cum Laude
Bilal Hussain
Kirolos Ibrahim
Osazee Best Igiebor
Hassan Jaafar
Dee'Ohnny Jackson
Grace Michelle Nishimura Jagopa-As
Edwin Elijah Johnson
Elsa Konstantina Maria Jonsson
Mar Julia**
Sophia Alexandra Jurina
Summa Cum Laude
Ankith Anil Kadagadakai
Magna Cum Laude
Amritpreet Kaur
Summa Cum Laude
Brenden Shane Kelly
Jobeda Rumpa Khan*
Adrian Kolakowski
Fiby Fawzy Kostantin
Alexis Isabel Lauer
Rachelle Natalina Liechti
Summa Cum Laude
Allison Nicole Lindquist
Stephanie Llapa
Henry A Lopez Guznay
Arnoldo I. Lopez
Mariela Lopez
Alaina Padme Lucret**
Rochelle Sembran Lusara
Mamady James Magassouba
Nehemiah Momanyi Mageto
Cum Laude
Lailany Angel Maldonado
Ranen Banting Maramot
Cum Laude
Concepcion Marquez
Cum Laude
Rachel Marquez***
Miriam Martin
Quamir Khalil Martin**
Madison Nicole Martinez
Ashley Anahi Martinez***
Larrion Mcdonald
Shanya P. Mcgeachy**
Kerolos Rafaat Megalaa
Sebastian Mejia
Logan Leonard Mele
Denisse Cristal Mendez**
Raquel Delphine Mendieta
Amal Miltaha
Cum Laude
Claudia Andrea Mora Venegas
Cum Laude
Stephany Yessenia Morales
Natali Moranchel
Ruben Dario Moreta Garcia
David Mossad
Ramon Andres Moya
Ana Catalina Munoz Garcia
Cum Laude
Clarileni Munoz
Nagem Najmeddin
Yunelkis Navarro*
Louise Efe Nkrumah
Nayely Nunez
Deborah Oluwatunmishe Olatunji**
Sara Pagan
Thomas V. Papathanasis
Magna Cum Laude
Shawn Roody Pascal
Nicole Alexa Payano-Estrella
Angelo Adriel Pena-Dilone
Cum Laude
Marilou Ruby Perez
Summa Cum Laude
Jarrett Isaiah Pinckney**
Alessandro Plasencia*
Ane Caroline Almeida Quito*
Carlos M. Rabines
Robert Stanley Ramirez
Magna Cum Laude
Britney Aileen Ramirez
Cum Laude
Uasia M. Rankins
Briana Ashley Regis*
Leslie Reyes
Christiana Maranan Reyes
Magna Cum Laude
Alexandra Reyes
Summa Cum Laude
Nikolaos Dimitrios Rigos
Edwin J. Rivera
Natalia I. Rivera*
Shawn Jameal Robinson
Francisco X. Rodas*
Magna Cum Laude
Michael Rodriguez Lopez**
Cum Laude
Raphy Junior Rodriguez**
Christopher B. Rodriguez
Felix Romero**
Dalia Rosas-Cholua**
Magna Cum Laude
Ophendel Roseme*
Cum Laude
Andrea Ross
Fadoua Sabah
Yahia Ahmed Sabry
Cum Laude
Anthony Gonzalo Salmeron
Reyel Ahmad Sambo
Nathaniel Samuel
Tara Ann Sanchez
Andreina Santos Marte
Elaine Marie Santos
Magna Cum Laude
Emely Mercedes Santos
Summa Cum Laude
Kamelyn A. Santos
Summa Cum Laude
Joseph A. Sawacha
Bella Serrano
Ibrahim Sidibay
Michael Joel Sierra
Cum Laude
Daisy Simon**
Magna Cum Laude
China Star Smalley**
Shanikia P. Smith**
Carolina Faria Soeira* ***
Juan Vicente Solivellas Garcia
Summa Cum Laude
Angelica M. Soto
Cum Laude
Jose Efrain Suarez*
Cum Laude
Ineysiah P. Surrell*
Michael T. Thomas
Jamaal U. Thomas
Quasim Keon Thomas
Harold Andres Timaran**
Magna Cum Laude
Maryfrance Masiddo Tobias
Summa Cum Laude
Stephany Marie Tobon**
Julian William Torres
Cum Laude
Jasmin Torres
Jhoann Tovar
Haley Trigueros*
Yonatan Solomon Tsegaye*
Giancarlos Uchoffen
Amanda Ozichi Orji Unegbu*
Yordania Urena
Nicole Valencia Flores
J'nae Alexis Van liew
Rosalee Vega
Aziel Shadey Velasquez
Edwin Uriel Velasquez
Summa Cum Laude
Jacinda Marcella Velazquez
Abigail Villalba
Alexander Vogiatzis***
Summa Cum Laude
George Vogiatzis***
Magna Cum Laude
Ronald James Wallraff
Leqi Wang*
Hakeem H. Wilson**
Olivia Tenise Wooten
Summa Cum Laude
Merouane Yahia
Summa Cum Laude
Nancy Zeng
Kayla Angeline Zeppetelli
Cum Laude
Sara Zorzan
Summa Cum Laude
College of Professional Studies
Doctor of Science
CIVIL SECURITY LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND POLICY
Adrien Michael Adams
Mollie Sara Mercado
Anna Kresuza Bayot Sarmiento
John M. Ward
Master of Science
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Taiza Nicole Bagley
Gregorio E. Decena
Jennifer Joseph
Tamur Ul-Haq Mirza
Jasmia Frances Wilson
CYBERSECURITY
Louis Balleto
Alin Campos
Diana Eskander
Shakeem Jahmir Gipson
Christopher Jangra*
Robert Joseph Kafarski
Cassandra Konopka
Hipolito Alexandro Lujan Flores*
Abdulrahman Nabil Mohsen
Mahamed Ahmed Makine Tahir
Glennys A Vargas Rosario
College of Professional Studies
HEALTH SCIENCES
Health Administration
Yandreily Fransheska Arroyo*
Efrain R. Rojas*
Ashley Seecharan*
School Health Education
Ivanice Kaplan
Alicia Danielle Lee*
NATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES
Information Assurance/Cybersecurity/ Corporate Security and National Security
Mubashshir Jabbar
National Security Studies
Vincenza E. Eccleston
Victoire Kiamanga Mayama
Bianca Danielle Perez
Nicholas Protopapadakis*
James Ruane
Andreas Sidossis
Jaime Tlatelpa
National Security Studies and Corporate Security
Kristopher Austin Campbell
Olumide Jejelola Emmanuel
NURSING
Nursing Education
Daniella M. Dyevoich
School Nursing
Gillian Teresa Bove
Anne M. Butler
Lesly J. Cabrera
Chloe Caldwell
Naida Huseinovic
Katie Marguerite Lynch
Amy M. Mann
Laura Ann Mojena
Rafiatou Raimi
Erin Lynn Redmond
Tamara Rueger
Janel Denise Stucky
Michele Eileen Wechtler
Bachelor of Science
Viviana Mariam Abdelmessih
John Kenneth Abrahamsen
Vakhtang Abutidze
Summa Cum Laude
Giovanna Adami
Magna Cum Laude
Oladimeji Hafeez Adebowale
Magna Cum Laude
Melanie Nicole Aguagallo Cum Laude
Fattan Ahmed**
Samantha Alyssa Alamo
Garrett John Allo
Gregory J. Amorosso
Summa Cum Laude
Lorianne-Marie Andrades***
Summa Cum Laude
Joshua Ryan L. Ang
Summa Cum Laude
Tyler Alexander Angel
Magna Cum Laude
Grace Angulo
Shyanne S. Anson
Nnamdi Chritstopher Anyanwu
Jayson A. Argueta
Tyler James Armstrong
Summa Cum Laude
George Anthony Arodes
Elijah Earl Aruinger Jr.
Madelyne Atenco*
Isaac Avelar
Nathaniel Codi Aviles*
Jamie Bahr
Amaya Simone Banks
Cum Laude
Denisse Anabel Bautista
Martin Etmael Beltran**
Shaneeka D. Benekin*
Amiran Berianidze
Summa Cum Laude
Andria Beselia
Summa Cum Laude
College of Professional Studies
Khalif A. Bey
Jayson Bienkowski
Cum Laude
Tornike Bitchiashvili
Summa Cum Laude
Brianna Jean Annina Bornstad
Summa Cum Laude
Mario Pasquale Bove*
Nyla Emon Boyd**
Steven Brand Vargas
Magna Cum Laude
Alexis Brennan
William Andrew Brown III
Anaya Brown*
Ricardo D. Buissereth
Vanessa Michelle Cabrera
Ashley Samantha Caicedo
Cum Laude
Alvaro Valentin Cardozo
Ashley N. Carmona Victoriano
John Smith Casseus
Josh Owen Cassidy
Cum Laude
Christopher Aaron Castillo*
Haidelyn Castillo
Mario Castro Mendez
Deren Cercioglu
Kaylee Paola Chacon*
Cum Laude
Michael William Cross**
Jorge L. Cruz
Magna Cum Laude
Jason Alex Cungachi*
La'tyra Emily Danner
Andrew C. Datadeen
Cum Laude
Alicia O. Datadeen*
Magna Cum Laude
Sharonda Davis
Brian Alexander Del Cid
Carlos I. Del Monte Acero*
Yisell Delgado
Joseph Robert Dembrowski**
Robert Mark DeSantis Jr.
Arkeda Jenneil Desantos*
Cum Laude
Beauchard Destouches*
George Diaz Jr.
Nelson David Echanique
Cum Laude
Brianna A. Eckel Cifrese
Summa Cum Laude
Shaza Elamin**
Zeinab M. Elsayed
Daeshawn Terell Emanuel
Jasmere Letarsha Epps
Adrian Escobar
Erlin Yajaira Estrada
Elijah Murad Farrell*
Gabriel Emilio Fernandez**
Gabriela Monserrat Fernandez
Kaitlyn Ferry
Magna Cum Laude
Bianca Ashley Figueroa
Neil A. Foglia
Gino Formento
Matthew Foronjy
Eliana Franco
Cum Laude
Raquela Fuentes
Cheyenn Fulton
Cum Laude
Daisy J. Garcia
Yesenia Alejandra Garcia
Rosmery Garcia**
Malachi Isaiah Gayton
Lasha Gelashvili
Summa Cum Laude
Crystal Ann Genthe***
Ammy Yasmarie Gervacio
Gianna Marie Giordano
Mariam Gogokhia
Summa Cum Laude
Mukti Shailesh Gohel
Edwin Manuel Gonzalez Jr.
Elaine Gonzalez
Danny Gonzalez**
Alyah Maite Gonzalez
Gigi Gotsiridze
Summa Cum Laude
Leonard Dominick Gray
Michael G. Gurzynski
Mariana Guzman*
Yaire Alysha Guzman
Kyle Thomas Hagerman
Faith Tenaysha Harris-Wright*
Camila Joanne Henriquez
Summa Cum Laude
Ivelisse Hernandez
Timothy Richard Hoedemaker
Cum Laude
Amina D. Ibanibo
Zara Ishola*
Mayra N. Jackson
Christopher Robert Jackson
Luka Janjgava
Summa Cum Laude
Bryan Alexander Jimenez
Summa Cum Laude
Felicia Marie Johnson*
Jazmin Jada Jones***
Keti Jorbenadze
Summa Cum Laude
Abdulbasit Omotayo Junaid*
Dato Kakhidze
Summa Cum Laude
Niko Kasradze
Summa Cum Laude
Tornike Kevanishvili
Summa Cum Laude
Hawanatu Balu Koroma*
Giorgi Kublashvili
Summa Cum Laude
Kakha Kurasbediani
Magna Cum Laude
Lasha Kurdiani
Cum Laude
Giorgi Kvirikashvili
Summa Cum Laude
Jerson Eduardo Lanchipa
Damon Paul LaSalle
Sopiko Lekveishvili
Summa Cum Laude
Dylan Leon*
Rayanna Lima
Anthony John Lucia
Ivael Jose Luciano Mendez
Summa Cum Laude
Davidjose Malave**
Cum Laude
Zane'yah Jakurah Mansfield
Anthony John Marketta
Magna Cum Laude
Veronica Guadalupe Marquez Deleg
Vanessa Martinez Galvez
Dattnan Pamela Martinez
Seynabou Mbengue
Cum Laude
Shantell Mejia
Norberto Daniel Mejia
Cum Laude
Lizbeth Y. Mendoza
Giana Olivia Merly
Magna Cum Laude
Otto Miguel Michelen**
Desron Lamont Mincey**
Hailey M. Mojica*
Jessica Molina
William Geovanny Molina
Anthony J. Moncion*
Justin Moreno
Danish Ahmed Munir*
Ivane Nadiradze Nadiradze
Cum Laude
Elie Mayamba Natuwila*
Raison Negron
Shelsea Elizabeth Nostin
Biston Odongo Odinga**
John Ayomide Ogunmileto
Chukwuka Jeffery Okwu
Bonface A. Onsoti
Magna Cum Laude
Adjonaih S. Orelien*
Santos Ortiz Jr.
Bernie Andrew Ortiz
Oussama Anouar Ouasmi*
Jennifer Palma**
Aryan Kishan Patel
Chinwe Kristina Patrick
David Umali Patulot*
Summa Cum Laude
Vianny Stephanie Payamps*
John Michael Perdomo
Bryan Andrew Pereira
Tiffany A. Perez Roca*
Carlos Perez
Winnie Skyla Pierre-Louis*
Cum Laude
Justin Uriah Pinckney
Edgar Alberto Porres Jr.
Destiny Janelle Portillo
Sofia Pruidze
Summa Cum Laude
Jorge Luis Quevedo
Cum Laude
Rosairy Ramirez Dominguez
Summa Cum Laude
Rosangel Ramirez Dominguez
Magna Cum Laude
Shea M. Ramirez
Miguel A. Ramos Diaz
Summa Cum Laude
Jonathan L. Ramos
Massiel Ramos*
Carissa Ashanti Reyes
Cum Laude
George Cristian Rivera*
Jessica Rivera**
Ricardo Enrique Roca
Ricardo Brandon Rodriguez*
Cum Laude
Liz M. Rodriguez
Chassidy Isabel Rodriguez
Cum Laude
Claudia Noemi Rodriguez
Magna Cum Laude
Jakob Rodriguez**
Dharany Roman
Cum Laude
George Michael Ros*
Summa Cum Laude
David Alexander Rosado
Rowie Aaron Rosita
Marina Sakhltkhutsishvili
Summa Cum Laude
John Salazar
Robert Enrique Sanango**
Casey Sandoval
Gina Marie Sandwith Cum Laude
Ruth Carolina Sanipatin**
Katherine Mary Scamarone
Jake Lucas Schoffelen Cum Laude
Mostafa Shalaby
Magna Cum Laude
Brandon Mathura Shievdayal Cum Laude
Giorgi Shinjikashvili
Summa Cum Laude
Kameela Shoaib*
Davit Shogiradze
Summa Cum Laude
Keith John Showalter Jr.*
Gonzalo Silva* Cum Laude
Brandon Michael Simon
Magna Cum Laude
Gagandeep Singh
Summa Cum Laude
Parminderjit Singh Cum Laude
Albert Louis Smith III
Derick Lee Smith Jr.
Summa Cum Laude
Aniyyah Omaria Smith
Tyler Jacob Solymosi
Erika Marie Stewart
Jocelene Strategakos*
Jason Suarez
Alexander Suero*
Michael Kenneth Sullivan
Samantha Ashlee Szymanski Cum Laude
Beverly Ann Taveras Cum Laude
Joseph Steven Temenski
Crystal J. Tepale
Kyla R. Thom*
Gerald Orlando Thomas Jr.
Jose D. Torrealba
Kyle Torres
Judy Ann Toussaint
Nikoloz Tskhovrebadze
Summa Cum Laude
Mariam Turmanidze
Summa Cum Laude
Noah Andrew Van Ryck De Groot***
Nicholas Pearsall Vaughn
Alexis Vega Jr.
Salvatore Verlingo
Cum Laude
Mya Villanueva***
Angel Alfredo Villavicencio
Nutepe Koffi Elom Vodzogbe
Khya Walker
Jeffrey Andrew Webb
Summa Cum Laude
Nicole A. Weinbel*
Dylan Matthew Wisniewski
Magna Cum Laude
Jeremiah Kareem Yorker**
Justin Lee Zach
Summa Cum Laude
Dachi Zedginidze
Summa Cum Laude
Josef Paul Zierer Jr.
Magna Cum Laude
Valid Ndangariro Ziweni**
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Virginija Abu Alula
Cum Laude
Michelle Flores Almario*
Janefrances Chiamaka Amalu*
Judith Adoboe Amenowode*
Florence Balouga
Juan Miguel Belamide* ***
Cum Laude
Sarah Esperanza Bregna*
Cum Laude
Christine Agnes Burbridge* Cum Laude
Frances Nicole Tina Caballero*
Cum Laude
Alicea Charlton*
Keren Chavannes*
Timothy Choo*
Katerin Ciprian*
Robin Lynn Collins*
Magna Cum Laude
Annakay Daley*
Keaira N. Davis*
Erin Elizabeth Day*
Magna Cum Laude
Sofia Ines De Oliveira*
Renz Paulo Ramos Del Rosario*
Jordyn Mary Della Valle*
Cum Laude
Yavuz Eriske
Alysa Marie Ang Espartinez*
Jennifer Eye*
Mary Fahmy*
Tina Nicole Fields-Zelada*
Jake Adam Frederick*
Simone Lee Givans*
Steven Joseph Graziano*
Zady Avigail Guzman-Amaya*
Rashaad Edward Hicks*
Magna Cum Laude
Josine Ophrah Ladaban*
Cum Laude
Kaylana Lee Chow*
Cum Laude
Amanda Catherine Luchun*
Brianna L. Macklin*
Cum Laude
Janet Wangui Mainye*
Summa Cum Laude
Kathryn Enriquez Malin*
Cum Laude
Jennifer Yadira Martinez
Zino Avin Mohamad*
Alexia Donnalee Morrison*
Tara A. Murphy
Farzana Nazar*
Sarah Emily Noreika*
Cum Laude
Cameron Paige Oakley*
Marvellous Oluwapelumi Oluwafemi*
Magna Cum Laude
Chelsea Alejandra Peguero*
Amanda Cristina Perez*
Magna Cum Laude
Catherine Petroccia*
Cum Laude
Salma Lisset Pont Fernandez*
Summa Cum Laude
Jeremy M. Quitiquit*
Noella Kim Monsanto Racuya*
Cum Laude
Ailed Haronid Robles*
Rasha Gamil Saleb*
Sabrina Scibetta*
Magna Cum Laude
Jodi Lynn Sclafane*
Mason William Seipp*
Cum Laude
Peggy Marie Sideris
Cum Laude
Karen Sinay*
Cum Laude
Binary Klair Cacho Sune
Magna Cum Laude
Kiyana Thompson*
Diandra Christine Thornhill*
Jonathan C. Velasquez*
Elena Weinstein*
Cum Laude
Alessandra Wojcicki*
Jonathan Wolf
Thomas Oleg Zaborowski*
DEBORAH CANNON PARTRIDGE WOLFE College of Education
Doctor of Education
Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP
Nadia Abdallah
Danielle Degraw
Patrick Fernandez
Janet E. George
Tiffany T. Grant-Simmons
Jeffrey P. Kontio Jr.
Vanessa L. Mendoza
Randy Narvaez-Ruiz
Enrique M. Noguera
Ojas Ray
Violet Kalanne Robinson
Melissa Welz
Master of Arts COUNSELING
Mahasin Abdalmajied
Nida Alam
Grecia Faria Alves**
Yara M. Amaro-Vaamonde
Dela Amexo*
Sharon Analuisa
Esther Barsella**
Juan Daniel Campos
Rubi Skylar Cedeno Garcia**
Lamya Chouaikh**
Fatema Choukeir
Maya Jaylyn Joann Clark
Alexis Cole**
Michael P. D'Andrea
Jennifer Ann Davies
Jasleen Grace De Guzman
Jarrett T. Ellington
Paola Marie Eusebio
Marilyn Feliciano
Leonela Flores
Gabriella Natalie Gabriel
Sean Gernant
Julienn Guzman
Aiah Hadabeh
Martha A. Hanna*
Kevin D. Haynes Jr.**
Antonia Hernandez
Leroy Jackson
Isabeta Jimenez
Elizabeth Jimenez
Ruby Machado
Fatima Yaneth Martinez
Zuzeth Mendez
Catherine Mendez
Brendan Joseph Minogue**
Cindy Monroy
Jayda Angelique Moody
Richard Chase Moriarty**
Anwaar Hani Nassar
Fabiola Occean
Veenakshi Paul
Jillian Quirk
Amnet K. Ramos-Hernandez
Gloria Rech
Wendy Janet Robles**
Yobana B. Romero
Amanda E. Rosenstein
Mackenzie Leigh Ryan
Silvia Serrano**
Tianna Stephenson
Joyce F. Sweeney**
Shelly R. Threatt*
Nicole D. Tiagha
Kristin Torres
Genesis Torres
Katlyn Turner*
Jodebska Karina Valencia
Mya Alanna Weems**
Kingsley Williams
Whitney Jaye Yannacci
EDUCATIONAL
TECHNOLOGY
Sana Abdelfattah
Emily Abreu
Charles Stephen Alchermes IV
Sarah Megan Bickel
Lauren M. Blank
Shenika LaShunda Lonei' Branch
Kelly Lynn Reed Brenner*
Michelle Candelaria
Jennifer Marie Costal-Furgione
Ashley Marie Dermek
Victoria Lauren Garcia
Jeffrey M. Grugan
Kirstyn Heller
Katherine Hellings
Amy Catherine Hinkson
Christopher V. Ippolito
Daniel Phillip Kavanagh
Kelly A. Keil
Tiffany Brooke Loveland*
Nancy Gorman Lukas
Asia I. Mcgoy
Samantha Lauren Melworm*
Nicole Nicholas
Patricia Noll
Danielle Pappalardo
Robert P. Smarz
Kayte Lynne Snyder
Emily M. Swanson
Dina Elise Toledo
Mark Richard Zdziarski**
LITERACY EDUCATION
Reading Specialist
Samantha Barragan
Kristine Canady
Karla Cristina Cerna
Melissa Felicio
Ashley Marie Gorman
Brandy Hall
Shanice Lorelle Jackson
Kaitlyn Rose Johnston
Yamila Lopez Hevia
Laura Kate Mages*
Jennifer Louise Moriarty
Alyssa M. Rigoliosi
Natasha Kelly Velasquez*
Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Stephanie Antonella Biancamano
Heather Rachel Humenic
Janine M. Levitt
Danielle Poland
Johanna Marie Safranski
Nicole C. Smith
Lisa Marie Smith
URBAN EDUCATION
Administration and Supervision
Tara Boodram
Samantha Bridgman
Robert W. Collis
Manuel Dones
Tiffany Elizabeth Kane
Khadija Khati Mellakh
Bennett Anthony Ortiz
Janice Rojas
Jacquelyn J. Shannon
David Sica
Bilingual/Bicultural Education
Margaret Kathleen Ganey
Adriana Gomez
Nicole Tarantula
English as a Second Language
Naomi Anton
Alba R. Bautista
Osmin Josue Betancourt
Elizabeth Calenda
Mona N. Dawes
Rebeca M. Espinal
Giselle Estevez
Sadie Guzman
Diana Isaac
Vasiliki G. Koukounaras
Jessica M. Kurti
Alejandro Mena
Michelle O'Mara
Sandra Peer
Rosalie Perez
John Anthony Rotella Jr.
Alberto P. Trespalacios
Shahla Waqar
Teaching and Learning in Urban Schools
Lyndsay Ann Batikha
Joenny Contreras
Michelle Di Maria
Gloria M. Gallegos
Mariana Suzette Gomez
Kevin Hulit
Lameerah Monae Simmons
Shoba Subbuswamy
Mikekelle Star Thomas
Master of Arts in Teaching
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION/ SPECIAL EDUCATION
Fatima Garba Abdulrahman
Haleemah Haneesah Watson
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Erika Cupo
Julianna Lunora Dancel
Kaylee Ann Lewis
Stephanie Saji
SECONDARY EDUCATION
Mina Ghebrial
Diana Guzman
Jodi Lynn Petrakian
Amanda Brook Sciandra
Matthew Waselik
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Bryan Patricio Amaya
Sarah Pauline Aronow*
Hayley Beluch
Patricia K. Bendsen
Rolanda Bruce*
Sanghita Chakraborty
Jatna D. Cohen
Christopher F. DeLucca
Michael Burton DeVore
Elizabeth A. DiCriscio
Nicole Dilling
Jessica Dunn
Laura Adriana Feraco
Shawn Fitzpatrick*
Elmyria Virginia Gill
James Granuzzo
Dawn J. Iadarola**
Ann M. Jara
Nicholas Kershaw
Alexandra Mary Kilkenny
Cyndria Kishen
Kim Lauren Krentcil
Mary Alice Landis
Christopher D. Nappa
Arti Pandey
Raquel Paredes
Mindy Pistol*
Yisel M. Pribula
Craig Andrew Rawlinson Jr.
Nicola P. Richardson
Mary E. Salensky
Ethan Avery Scholl
Tammy Ann Sherlock
Marci Faye Shostak
Jason Eric Storch*
Alyssa Summer
Christina Sylvia
Bachelor of Arts
Vanessa Arias
Magna Cum Laude
Erin Shea Cleary
Cum Laude
Adriana Solis Garcia
Summa Cum Laude
Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education
College of Arts and Sciences &
College of Education
WILLIAM J. MAXWELL
DEBORAH CANNON PARTRIDGE WOLFE
William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences & Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education
Bachelor of Arts
Genesis Alexsandra Argueta Cum Laude
Sofia Asali
Summa Cum Laude
Heymi Auld Perez***
Magna Cum Laude
Jennah Baha Awadallah
Mahba Helmy Badrous Cum Laude
Mariam Banifadel Cum Laude
Nathan Alexander De Frias
Jade Kiara Espiritusanto
Nezha Essabhi
Magna Cum Laude
Nardeen Bassem Farag** *** Cum Laude
Sean Michael Fuehrer*
Alexa Brielle Garcia*
Magna Cum Laude
George Joseph Gawargi
Nevaeh Lynn Hoy
Sofia Kanakaki
Summa Cum Laude
Ashley Lisboa
Summa Cum Laude
Luis H. Luna
Cum Laude
Anjali Kavita Paras
Summa Cum Laude
Emily Frances Pelle
Breana Jane Prashad
Valerie Nicole Quijano* ***
Nicco Giovanni Salgado Cum Laude
Izabella Tavarez***
Magna Cum Laude
Andrea Themen
Summa Cum Laude
Anna Helene Trachsler
Summa Cum Laude
Rylee Carr Waldron
Magna Cum Laude
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Nicolette Christina Tsamos*** Cum Laude
Bachelor of Music
Logan Mirthes
WILLIAM J. MAXWELL College of Arts and Sciences
Master of Arts
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Stephany Aracelly A. Castellanos
Domenica Chum-Moran
Jordan L. DelFino
Yesenia De Jesus Fernandez
Chrysanne C. George
Tara C. Greene
Gabrielle Elise Michael
Mordecai Asiago Onsongo
Mia Antoinette Pepe
Hillary Rachell Sosa
Tais Rosany Vargas
Dominick Matthew Velez
Nicole Ward
MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
Ahmed Bekkouche
Phil W. Carrillo
Yeranni Guia
MUSIC EDUCATION
Joseph Rizzolo
STUDIO ART
Crystal Marie Davis
Ana Laura Sullivan
Master of Fine Arts
ART
Weiwei Lo
William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences
Master of Music
MUSIC PERFORMANCE
Jermaine Marlin Bryson
John Anthony Di Pinto
Dawson Horey
Nevin Sezen Ulucan
Professional Diploma
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
Celine Arias
Ashley Marie Batista
Helena McAlinn
Mia Menendez
Kevin Sousa
Angelica Cristina Valderrama
Dominick Matthew Velez
Bachelor of Arts
Ruth Elizabeth Abadie Alana
Magna Cum Laude
Denise May Abadies
Roslyn-Eleanor Eyram Abotsi*
Shantel Abreu*
Mohammed A. Abughanam
Michael Acosta**
Rahma Ahmed
Marvellous Akingbala*
Kayla Marie Alamo*
Sebastian Santiago Alcantara*
Daniel Alexander Jr.*
Shruk Khalid Alkandi*
Cum Laude
Taren R. Allen**
Rebekkah Nandi Allen
Alia A. Alobaidli*
Laura Alvarez
Rafael Francisco Alvarez
Nancy Aly
Magna Cum Laude
Daniela Alzate*
Prince Boafo Amankwah Jr.*
Inas Amir Isaac Amin
Isabel Anaya
Marietta Angulo**
Yanibel Arias
Kekhari Nefertiti Arnold*
Andrea A. Arroyo
Shahod Y. Augustin**
Joao Autran
Ines Alondra Avila-Mota
Summa Cum Laude
Aghaby E. Ayoub**
Summa Cum Laude
Kay Baez
Kristy Baez*
Camilla Baker
Jordan Allen Banks**
Bernadette Marie Barnes*
Andrew J. Beck
Magna Cum Laude
Emily Bednarczyk
Asma Bellaredj
Hekuran Beluli***
Magna Cum Laude
William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences
Christian Joseph Bermudez
Kyla Bird
Liza Bist*
Destiny Joy Bland
Faiza Boudib
Gabrielle EmmaMargaret Boyer*
Michelle Annery Bradley*
Kareena Brahmbhatt*
Jenea Joyce Brayboy**
Mariani Brito
Jessalyn Brockmann
Cum Laude
Tanya Brown
Jennica Bruny
Sade Delilah Bullock
Jazmin Bultron
Yamelkis Burgos*
Cindy Raquel Bustamante**
Angela Myra Cabrera
Jasmine Shandell Calder
Luanny Candelario
Michelle Yolanda Carbo**
Antigone Anain Charalambous
Hailun Chen
Maria Milagros Cintron
Roman C. Cogliati*
Rachael M. Collahuazo*
Grachiel Collazo*
Victoria Jamila Collier
Ramona Concepcion Aybar
Lauryn Felicia Cook-Maisonet** ***
Lufranny Corredera*
Stefano Corti
Cristina A. Corticada*
Gabrielle Cotter
Magna Cum Laude
Jaren Hector Couvertier***
Messiah Cromwell
Paola Stephanie Cruz Stracuzzi
Henry Juan Cruz
Angelica Jade Cuadra*
Jose Miguel Cuazitl Ahuatl*
Summa Cum Laude
Claire E. Daity
Tiffany Jane Danielian
Magna Cum Laude
Josiah I'Cear Darvin*
Leo McGinn Davis
Shea Kathleen Dawson
Thomas James Deignan
Summa Cum Laude
Jeniffer M. Del Cid Argueta
Lori Ann DeMarco
Monet A. Dennis**
TahZane'y DeSmith*
Daijah Devard
Chelsea Marie Diggs**
Ellaine Bez Dionisio
Anna Do Carmo Souza*
Summa Cum Laude
Shaina Easley
Kevin Matthew Edwards
Samuel Joseph Elizarov**
Shakeema Ellis
Judith Erdaide**
Magna Cum Laude
Leslie Estevez**
Antonio Estrella III
Mark Anthony Everett Jr.
Summa Cum Laude
Ledescia Maria Eversley Denny**
Frank Anthony Fermin
Lina Jhenai Fernandez*
Lauren Ferrando
Yarra Karim Filfil
Summa Cum Laude
Cynthia Alexandria Fletcher
Erika Marleny Flores
Carina Flores*
Friscurry Wiska Forestal
Izabella Frezzo
Magna Cum Laude
Kevin H. Fuentes
Hend S. Gad
Summa Cum Laude
Terri M. Gallo-Gauch
Maria Fernanda Gamboa Lopez*
Danielle Raquel Garcia
Natalie Garcia
Jalen Rasheed Tanc Garraway
Nicholas Vaughn Geosits
Haydi Adel Gerges*
Joseppe Gergues
Catina Denise Gibson
Cum Laude
Linda Krizthye Gomes Rainho***
Cum Laude
Alexandrea Melissa Gomez
Cum Laude
Hailey Goncalves*
Iris Montserrat Gonzales***
Crisalida Gonzalez
Cum Laude
Katie Noelia Gonzalez*
Cum Laude
Anabella Ciore Gonzalez
Delisha Leslie Gonzalez
Brenda Jesenia Gonzalez**
Joshua Gonzalez
Crystal Alexis Gotay
Makayla Graham
Dominique Ann Grandov
Peter Grater
Lisa Green*
Elijah Jordan Green
Abraham Guallpa
Cum Laude
Rachel Guanlao***
Summa Cum Laude
Nataly Guerrero*
Jaedon Ishmael Haidara
Ashleigh Nicole Hall
Cum Laude
Ayonna Hampton*
Qawiyya Awwala Haqq*
Surrayyah Ayana Hardaway-Robinson*
Iliyah B. Harley
Starretta Elisha Harper
Dina Hassan*
Summa Cum Laude
Carolina Natacha Hernandez
Alex Hernandez
Keishla L. Hernandez*
Jennifer Nicole Higueros
Cum Laude
Kendry Thomas Hilario
Summa Cum Laude
Rebecca Grace Hoff*
Kiara I. Holmes*
Hilary A. Hoyos**
Javon James Jamyre Hudson
Justin Ian Hyppolite III
Amira Yousef Iskander*
Rutu Paraj Jadhav
Luis A. Jaime Jr.*
David Krishna Jaipersaud
Samantha D. Jaipersaud
Hadel K. Jaloudi
Yaniris Katiuska Jarrin
Kathryn Lynn Jarvis
Jaslynn Dilores Jimenez
Tyshanni Tynae Leinaala Johnson
Jaherah R. Jones
Shaunna Claire Joseph
Nicole M. Kelly
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Kelly**
Cum Laude
Bavli Khalil
Fatima Mubarik Khan**
Sharish Khan
Hannah Khattab
Foday Koroma
Katerina Karli Kostadimas
Anthony Kozierowski
Cum Laude
Anastasia Kuznetsova
James Robert M. Lacida
Jason J. Laderas
Summa Cum Laude
Madyson Leigh Lamanna
Alisson Lans
Jennifer D. Lantigua-Sanchez
Brianna Latorre*
Tatiana Libreros
Lotoya Sophia Lindsay*
Michelle T. Lopez
Sebastian Lopez
Destiny Lopez**
Alexander Lu
Magna Cum Laude
Carlos Andre Ly*
Carol Julissa Machado
Rafael Romeo Maglantay
Raymond Anthony Marmol*
Yalismarie Martinez Valentin***
Summa Cum Laude
Frances Karyna Martinez
Magna Cum Laude
Kiana Lee Martinez
Bryan Martinez
Veronica Martinez
Nube Sofia Maurisaca
Sharon Maze
Ladayja M. McDonald**
Brian Patrick Mcginley
Summa Cum Laude
Jaelynn B. McGreivey***
Magna Cum Laude
Tamia Mcnab
Jordan Ashley Mendolla**
Jorge Alexis Medina Mendoza**
Magna Cum Laude
Marina Alfy Meleika*
Phillip Owen Melendez
Sebastian Xavier Mendes
Mairellys Mendez
Sylvia Noelia Mendieta
Martha Dalia Mendoza
Summa Cum Laude
Beemen Meshriky
Summa Cum Laude
Tony Milet*
Marlex M. Mirabal
Hiram Angel Miranda*
Regla Maria Monfort
Cum Laude
Sasha Ianna Monserate
Twandra J. Montgomery
Kianna Maurice Montplaisir
Sherone Moore
Maryann E. Moquete
Melanie Lauren Mora-Espinoza
Brice Nathan Morrison
Cum Laude
Bryan Mory
Safa Mostafa
Gail Elizabeth Mulligan
Magna Cum Laude
Aja Mullins**
Lana A. Mustafa
Nevaeh Shadae Mustipher**
Michelin Michael Najm
Milena Narvaez
Alexis S. Newsome
Julian Onu Ngene Sr.*
Melissa W. Nichols
Magna Cum Laude
Anyah D. Nixon
Destiny Faith Norris*
Cum Laude
Kayla Jade O'Connor
Jazlynn Monica Olea
Cum Laude
Omolara Sandra Olorunpomi
Nicole Orellana-Monsalve
Andrew Ortega
Sebastian Andres Ortiz
Paul Michael Rambo Rayola Osanya
Devanee Alexis Osorio
Amanda Padron**
Elaine Pamplona
Alexa Nohemy Paulino*
Anaironi Peguero
Allyson Marie Pereira
Sheralyn M. Perez
Nevin Justin Perkins
Chelsea Amber Peterson
Anne Philemond
Ruben Arturo Pimentel
Magna Cum Laude
Ariel Christian Pogata*
Eduarda Alexa Polanco Fragoso
Sondy Vinlio Polanco Jr.**
Na'Tyah Len Postell
Aida Carol Price
Cum Laude
Erica Jane Prudon*
Dayana Pujol*
Engie Quevedo
Yuleny M. Quezada Jesus*
Cum Laude
Ariana Quiroga
Victoria J. Ragbeer
Liana Ramirez
Cum Laude
Ravena Fareda Rattipal
Jean D. Raymond**
Declan Malachy Reagan
Radha Leyna Rench***
Summa Cum Laude
Teddy K. Reyes**
Cum Laude
Paola Michelle Reyes
Steven Rios**
Adrienne Alexandra Rivera
Cum Laude
Aaron Rivera
Ivanne Sabrina Rivera
Magna Cum Laude
Justice Rivera*
Ashley Denisse Roagna*
Latoya L. Robinson
Danique Robinson*
Magna Cum Laude
Alexander Piage Robinson**
Adriana Rodriguez Giron
Summa Cum Laude
Jazmin Judith Rojas
Jenniffer Romero
Cesar Josue Romero***
Delvante Roseburgh*
Rosemary Rueda-Rivera*
Sarah Valentina Ruilova** ***
Raylynn Taylor Ruiz*
Gissela Melissa Ruiz
Roger Dominic Sacchi II*
Kimberly Hayleen Sac-Zelaya
Marie F. Saint-Hubert
Cum Laude
Caitlyn Cathel Salas
Astrid K. Salazar
Vanessa Sanchez
Camilo Sanchez*
Cum Laude
Sabrina Santana
Genesis Santos
Philipa Gyamfuah Sarpong*
Rudrani M. Seeraj
Ruth Marleny Segura-Valle*
Ana Julia Marques Silvestre*
Isabella Soares-Sousa
Brenda Yanine Soriano**
Magna Cum Laude
Jordan Leigh Southerland*
Azhane Brianna Spencer
Donald Joseph Spring
Nadirah B. Stover**
Jordyn Stranahan
Amani Tianna Streete
Evelyn Sage Tahmazian***
Natalie A. Tapia
Claudia Tassi
Ariana Taveras
Madelyn Tejada**
Renee Simone Thomas
Cum Laude
Gloria Tirado
Maria Natalia Tito
Jennifer Toplean
Joshua Torres*
Magna Cum Laude
Chapri Saida Traore
Jeniya Symone Turner
Crystal Umanzor
Alice Stephanie Unzueta
Karine Y. Ureña
Gianna Masiel Valdez
Ernestina Vargas*
Jewel Anne H. Vasquez
Alexander Enrique Velasco***
Cum Laude
Tani J. Vergara
Sheila Vidal
Eduardo Daniel Vilchez
Joan Cristobal Visitacion
Magna Cum Laude
Dezire Lyrics Vizcarrondo
Sean Jospeh Vlkovic
Cum Laude
Julia Florencio Vo
Kimberly Walters*
Jasmine S. Warren***
Cum Laude
Malakai Washington
Brittany West
Jada Elise White**
Noelani White-Johnson
Cum Laude
Sarah Yahya
Magna Cum Laude
Martha Gabriela Zambrano
Krystal Nicole Zaragoza
Summa Cum Laude
Kaylin Ashley Zayas
Korrissa A. Zimmer
Tathiana Zumba
Zachary Zwarycz
Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Rachel D. Alfonso**
Arianna Almaguer
Justin Anthony
Rachel Paige Birtwistle
Magna Cum Laude
Emily Marie Bruck
Cum Laude
Jadyn Marie Butterfield
Destiny Casa
Angelica D. Cisneros
Magna Cum Laude
Rachel Jennifer Elizabeth Collins
Magna Cum Laude
Agustina Nicole Cueto
Cum Laude
Steeven Oswaldo Espinoza
Marla Ferreira
Victoria Faith Gregg
Daniela Guido Avila*
Summa Cum Laude
Sabrina Josel Harrison
Carla R. Herrera
Morgan Celeste Hunsicker
Magna Cum Laude
Elaf Hashim Hussein
Isabella Rose Kratz
Andrea Licaj
Magna Cum Laude
Andy Liu
Summa Cum Laude
Namdi Nesta Maple**
Emily Jane McDean
Adis D. Morel Rodriguez
Summa Cum Laude
Mari Murata*
Steven Anthony Pozo
Magna Cum Laude
Natalia Predko
Summa Cum Laude
Elson Florido Reyes Jr.
Faviola Reyes*
Eduardo Enrique Rivera Jr.
Andreina Del Carmen Rivero Moreno
Magna Cum Laude
Angifer Rojas
Kaitlyn Rowell
Cum Laude
Brittney Janet Sanchez-Bueno
Cum Laude
Navdeep Kaur Sanghera
Magna Cum Laude
Brianna Shimer**
Micaela Simons
Magna Cum Laude
Gibson Sword
Cum Laude
Tatiana Timones*
Cum Laude
Patricia Tonner-Mintier
Cum Laude
Francis Anthony Troy
Foivi Tsitsa
Cum Laude
Deisy Ulloa
Magna Cum Laude
Destiny Angel Vasquez
Cum Laude
Piper Jo Whitt
Magna Cum Laude
Tshekidi Albert Wilson
Emma O. Wilton
Magna Cum Laude
Bachelor of Music
Isabel Gallur Vaqueriza***
Magna Cum Laude
Alexander Brian Joseph
Isabella Elizabeth Rincon
Cruz Roger Romero
Carmen Sofia Salas Torres
Anthony Tavarez
Bachelor of Science
Nixon Matara Abuku
Ikechukwu Osondu Achebe**
Goodnews Ayomide Adeniyi-Idowu
Wahab Ajaz
Ayokunumi Simisola Ajikobi***
Cum Laude
Princess Adaora Aka***
Cum Laude
Moyinoluwa Blessing Akeju
Opetunde Joy Akeju
Richard Alama***
Elian Almanzar Hernandez
Mariam Amer*
Mohammed Annas Amran
Laila Kennedy Anane***
Anthony J. Andagana
Mostafa Ahmed Attia
Omotola Olajumoke Ayo-Banji* ***
Sanaa Bakhet*
Summa Cum Laude
Michelle Barroso
Elisabel Bello
Michael Benavides
Ashley Jane Bernal
Alessandra Sarah Blount***
Merna S. Boshra
Kenneth Earl Bradley II
Krushali Manishkumar Brahmbhatt
Dylan Bravo-Tello
Camila Alejandra Carvajal Guijarro
Cum Laude
Kayla Aliya Chance
Vikas Damani**
Muhammad Dawood
Summa Cum Laude
Ahmed Diab
Cum Laude
Khadija Kani Diop
Jonathon C. Drake
Abdelrahman Elbadry
Nada A. Elghereny
Oluwaseun A. Falayi*
Cum Laude
Britanny Andrea Figueroa Leon
Summa Cum Laude
Peter Filfil***
Magna Cum Laude
Jheniffer Franklim Marques* ***
Navin D. Gandharry*
Gabriel Maximus George**
Michael Gerges
Cum Laude
Eva Ashraf Girgis***
Summa Cum Laude
Eriny A. Girgis***
Summa Cum Laude
Hector Gonzalez III
Kevin Gonzalez
Mary Cruz Granados Games*
Cum Laude
Saira P. Guardado
Pema Dhoma Gurung
Magna Cum Laude
Ashley Mdichimma Igbokwe***
Summa Cum Laude
Jeily M. Insuasti-Torres
Tony Isern***
Summa Cum Laude
Sebastian Jaramillo
Neida Jarana Perez** ***
Cum Laude
Doris Ann Christie Jean*
Khalil Jenkins-Newcombe*
Esterlin Jerez Paulino
Santiago Jimenez Reyes
Mubaraq A. Kadiri*
Summa Cum Laude
Simran Kaur
Mentalla Keraitam
Summa Cum Laude
Umaar Maskeen Khan*
Shahrukh Khan
Vaishali Khatri
Alessandro Gabriel La Rosa
Christian Joseph Layo
Kevin J. Lemus
Adivis C. Lerebours
Xiomara Lopez Arias**
Angelson Lugada***
Cum Laude
Lara Hassan Mahmoud
Genesis Martinez*
Ivan Jacobo Mayen Guzman***
Cinthya C. Mejia Torres
Orlando E. Mendez*
Gabriel Mendoza
Sarah Rebhi Miltaha**
Myasia Anita Mogro
Abdulrahman Hussein Mohamed
Shianne Krystal Mohammed
Filippo Monte Santo Cascardo
Magna Cum Laude
Adriano M. Moussa
Jaasiyah Y. Muhammad
Lori-ann Nembhard
Summa Cum Laude
Massaer Niasse
Kadeja Nichols*
Patrick Akonam Nwabunie Jr.
Kelvin Kebabe Nyambane
Brian C. Oblad
Summa Cum Laude
Quam T. Olatunji
Chinoyerem Opara**
Jose Alexander Ortega*
Yousef Abdelrahman Osman**
Venesa Osmani
Magna Cum Laude
Bobbette C. Owen
Temiloluwa Adesujibomi Oyesanya
Myia April Corin Palmer
Katha Patel*
Farrah Alyssa Minanga Pepino
Summa Cum Laude
Lesley Polanco
Enrique Posos*
Jason Quach*
Zaret Zory Quichcas*
Anslei A. Rabano Velasquez**
Chidinma Adanna Ralph-Mbah
Magna Cum Laude
Sarita Tejnarine Ramlakhan
Abid Habib Rehman**
Cum Laude
Nicholas Rius
Summa Cum Laude
Anthony Daniel Rivera
Kimberly Romulus
Elvis Alexander Rosas
Destiny Andrea Sabb
Bryan Sanchez
Clara O. Santos**
Isra'a Hazem Sbateen
Youstina Shokry
Ariana Smallwood
Magna Cum Laude
Hamad Wael Sohiem
Denis Delroy Stephen
Alaedeen Sulieman
Kendra D. Surujballi
Shamyee S. Tang
Tekla Tchelidze*
Summa Cum Laude
William Alfred Tecat
Kaishaun Davahn Thompson
Zane Danyel Torres
Ihechineme Ebubechukwu Umunnakwe
Magna Cum Laude
Janice Donna-Marie Urquhart*
Piero F. Urteaga*
David Valica***
Magna Cum Laude
Joel Vasquez
Summa Cum Laude
Nicolle Vilca
Denis Villalvir
Summa Cum Laude
Janet H. Vu
Sa-fire Walter
John Nabil Yousef
Seif Youssef Youssef
Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Social Work
Hakima Benslimane
Summa Cum Laude
Rocio Castillo
Cum Laude
Jonattan Jose Diaz
Magna Cum Laude
Sara Caroline Ekroth
Magna Cum Laude
Dilia Eleonora
Radiya Elmoujadidi*
Summa Cum Laude
Jeannette Genaro
Jasmine Makayla Glaude
Maylin Hernandez
Summa Cum Laude
Karrington Zion Hill*
Madeeha Noor Khan
Cum Laude
Chiara Alessandra Morel
Summa Cum Laude
Fatoumata N'jaye*
Melina Fernanda Ordonez
Cum Laude
Nataly Porras
Karla Guadalupe Posas
Summa Cum Laude
Jason Quinones
Cum Laude
Roodmyka Simeon
Leila A. Sorto
Cum Laude
Andrik D. Turcios
Evelyn Villa-Carrasco*
Doctoral Dissertations
Educational Technology Leadership
Nadia Abdallah, ’25 Ed.D., Empowering Arab Youth: The Role of a Digital Learning Platform on Youth in Palestine, Lebanon, and Yemen
Danielle Degraw, ’25 Ed.D., Podcasting as a School Communication Tool: A Case Study
Patrick Fernandez, ’25 Ed.D., TikTok-Based Learning and Communities of Practice
Janet E. George, ’25 Ed.D., Exploring Urban Middle and High School Math Teachers' Experiences with Adaptive Learning Systems as Educational Tools
Tiffany T. Grant-Simmons, ’25 Ed.D., A Qualitative Study Exploring Technology Integration in Early Childhood Classrooms
Jeffrey P. Kontio Jr., ’25 Ed.D., Shifting to a Culture of Digital Accessibility in Higher Education: A Proactive Framework for Instructional Design
Vanessa L. Mendoza, ’25 Ed.D., Raising the Bar: Inquiry into Enhancing the Virtual Onboarding Journey of Sales Professionals
Randy Narvaez-Ruiz, ’25 Ed.D., Assessing the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Teacher Burnout: A Mixed-Methods Study
Enrique M. Noguera, ’25 Ed.D., Exploring the Informal Adoption of ChatGPT and Other Generative AI Tools Among Community College Faculty: A Qualitative Study
Ojas Ray, ’25 Ed.D., Transforming Education: Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Teacher Efficiency
Violet Kalanne Robinson, ’25 Ed.D., A Qualitative Case Study of Elementary Teachers’ Experience with an Artificial Intelligence–Powered Adaptive Reading Platforms
Melissa Welz, ’25 Ed.D., Harmonizing Technology and Tradition: A Study of Effective Strategies for Implementing Music Technology in K–12 Education
Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy
Adrien Michael Adams, ’25 D.Sc., Reducing Recidivism Rates: A Qualitative Evaluation of the Alabama Department of Corrections Life Enrichment Prison Reentry Modules
Mollie Sara Mercado, ’25 D.Sc., What Demographic Predictors Influence K-12 Teachers' Metacognitive Confidence Levels in Reporting Pre-Attack Behaviors to School Threat Assessment Teams in New Jersey
Anna Kresuza Bayot Sarmiento, ’25 D.Sc., Examining the Impact of Digital Media Literacy Skills on the Accuracy of Truth Discernment to Foster Resiliency Against Disinformation
John M. Ward, ’25 D.Sc., Examining the Impact of a Blended Model of Online E-Learning with Interdisciplinary Experiential Learning for Civilians Active Shooter Training
Committee
Erin McCann, Chair
Jennifer Aitken
Monica Almonor
Ray Aponte
Jim Behrle
Robert Cole
Jose De La Cruz
Victor Delvalle
Jeffrey Dessources
Cinthia Diaz
Paul Gargiulo
Kurt Grzyb
Pia Stevens-Haynes
Ronald Hurley
Wanda Rutledge
Navin Saiboo
Joy Smith
Ivelisse Takata
Sohaib Talat
Ira Thor
Malvanie Williams
Volunteers
Riem Abdelazim
Nariman Ahmed
Jennifer Aitken
Monica Almonor
Ana Aponte
Michael Arbitblit
Angela Arriaza
Betty Arzuaga
Danielle Bachant
Douglass Bailey
Gonfalon Bearers
Melanie McDonald, Ph.D.
School of Business
Commencement Committee & Volunteers
Ron Baines
Jose Balda
Kathleen Banks
Amy Brown
Sonya Brown
Stephanie Burbano
Anna Carhart
Julieanne Castillo
Nick Cesare
Gretchen Clayton
Robert Cole
Bianca Cribeiro
Luceand Cuba-Rivera
Mary Caitlyn Deffely
Victor Delvalle
Jeffrey Dessources
Pat Devaney
Barbara Drew
Carlo Edra
Melissa Faulkner
Madeline Fermin
Jorge Fernandez
Randi Fontanez
Kelly Francisco
Rafael Gajilan
Strawberry Gallagher
Elaine Gargiulo
Paul Gargiulo
Darwin Garrido
Yolanda Garzona
Anne Gonzales
Kurt Grzyb
Brendan Guzman
Steve Haber
Erin O'Neill, Ph.D., MCHES, CSCS
College of Professional Studies
Hanae Haouari
Ron Hurley
Maria Izquierdo Roe
Stacey Kanga
Franca Kirsch
Tom Krychkowski
Tracy Kurtiak
Shamara Lannaman
Huyen Le
Tom Lee
Sabrina Lopes
Jennifer Luciano
Ashley Martinez
Christian Martinez-Gonzalez
Diana McLean
Karla Mejia
Adriana Mendez
Natalie Mendez
Ashley Merchant
Daniel Mervil
Hiram Miranda
Sarah Najdi
Patrick O'Neill
Ruth Ortiz
Ashley Pais
Farah Pelissier
Richard Pepin
Maxine Perkins
Carol Powell
Jennifer Rak
Tatiana Reyes
Michele Rhodes
Jordan Robinson
M. Christina Rolon
Saigeetha Jambunathan, Ph.D.
Rob Romeo
Daysi Romero
Wanda Rutledge
Denys Sanchez
Mabel Sanchez
Anna Scanniello
Bernadette Schery
Erica Seitzman
Afaf Shalaby
Wendy Shivers
Michael Sims
Dominique Smith
Theresa Spataro
Pia Stevens-Haynes
Matt Sutton
Ivelisse Takata
Sohaib Talat
Carlos Tejeda
Haniben Thakkar
Andrea Tider
Geordana Vasquez
Sergio Villamizar
Crystal Gail Villavert
Peter Vincent
Kimora Wade
Malvanie Williams
Joseph Yeck
Jazmin Zegarra
Commencement
Announcers
Ira Thor
Venida Rodman-Jenkins
Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education
Moitrayee Chatterjee, Ph.D.
William J. Maxwell College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and CAS/Education dual-degree recipients
NJCU Ceremony
The NJCU Ceremonial Mace
“The Mace represents the home of learning surrounded by the human quest for discovery. It is an androgynous figure stretching around ancient pillars towards a crystal sphere of knowledge slightly clouded with mystery and still to be discovered universal magic. The Mace is crowned with a neogothic cluster symbolizing the power of creative passions in the service of universal peace. It is a scepter of our urban mission: bringing people together to challenge their future.”
Artist’s statement by Herb Rosenberg, MFA, retired professor of art, who created the Mace in 1987
The National Anthem
The Star-Spangled Banner
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Francis Scott Key, 1814
Alma Mater
Green and Gold, we honor thee, Symbol of our aim. Lead us onward to thy goal Ever for thy fame. All our hearts will ever hold Memories that are dear; And you always will remain Our alma mater, dear. Will Hayes ’36, Ph.D. and Aubrey Kemper ’36
The University Colors
“Green and gold are our University’s colors. In 1933, a flower garden graced a wide expanse of lawn between Hepburn Hall and the Boulevard. Mr. Otto Cordes, director of the Maintenance Department, took special pride in the yellow jonquils he planted. Mathematics Professor Foster Grossnickle, himself an amateur flower gardener, shared a love of the gardens with Otto. One day, admiring the gardens in full bloom, Otto remarked about the breathtaking contrast of the yellow jonquils and the deep green lawn. ‘Green and gold,’ he said. Foster liked the sound of this...and so our University’s colors were born.”
This historical sketch was related to Dr. Will Hayes ’36, who was a close friend of Mr. Cordes and Dr. Grossnickle
Gonfalons
The history of the gonfalon can be traced back to the medieval republics of Italy. A gonfalon was a type of flag or banner emblazoned with the personal coat of arms of a nobleman and borne on a staff. Noblemen would hang their
family gonfalon from their horses as they rode into battle.
In time, the gonfalon would hang from a crosspiece or frame as an ensign of state or high office. They were carried in medieval parades where the coats of arms of legion commanders were presented and used as rallying points in battle.
Gonfalons have been associated with pageantry for centuries. They are popular today at colleges and universities, where they are used at commencement and for many other institutional and ceremonial purposes. New Jersey City University’s four gonfalons, representing each of the University’s four schools and colleges, are used at every Commencement ceremony to lead degree candidates.
Academic Regalia
When universities were taking shape in the 12th and 13th centuries, they were under the jurisdiction of the Church. Most of those studying were clerics in Holy Orders, monks, or priests. They wore a habit or cloak attached to a cowl or hood. This could be pulled up over the head or thrown back according to the weather. Gowns were necessary for warmth in the unheated buildings, and hoods served to cover the tonsured head before using a skull cap.
Today, the academic costume of the cap, gown, and hood has taken on symbolic meaning. Colors and shapes conform to a generally accepted code and indicate the faculty conferring the degree and the kind of degree conferred. Gowns for the bachelor’s degree are worn closed and are distinguished by their long pointed sleeves. Master’s degree gowns are designed to be worn open. Consequently, they have very long sleeves, oblong in shape. Gowns for the doctoral degree, usually black, are also intended to be worn open and have velvet panels. Three velvet bars are stitched to the upper part of the full, bell-shaped sleeves. A fourth bar signifies the office of the presidency.
Academic hoods worn in the procession are trimmed with velvet of various colors to represent the following academic areas:
Arts, Letters, Humanities: White
Business Administration, Management: Light Brown
Education: Light Blue
Fine Arts: Dark Brown
Law: Purple
Library Science: Yellow
Medicine: Green
Musical Arts: Pink
Nursing: Peach
Philosophy: Dark Blue
Science: Golden Yellow
Social Work: Citron Yellow
Theology: Scarlet
The colored lining is the official color of the institution conferring the degree.