Convocation at Georgian Court University is a special tradition that marks the beginning of the new academic year and reaffirms the university’s mission and cherished Mercy core values. For first-year students, it offers a warm welcome and inspiring words as they start their new journey. For continuing students, it serves as a well-deserved celebration of their leadership and achievements from the previous academic year.
Interim Provost Julie Furst-Bowe, Ed.D., expressed the uniqueness of Georgian Court’s community of leaders, saying, “Take advantage of all that is offered here…Georgian Court Lions are leaders. They stand up; they don’t stand by. They embrace the Mercy core values and Critical Concerns in order to be informed contributors to a just and respectful society. They serve others and act with integrity and compassion. That’s what unites us and makes Georgian Court a special place of interconnected people.”
Interim President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., reaffirmed the university’s dedication to service through education and reminded students of the purpose behind their personal, educational journey: “As a Mercy institution, we are dedicated to service. Educating members of the community, especially those who have been traditionally underserved, is our primary method for serving our community. In short, educating the community is our raison d’être. It is why we exist.”
He went on to describe how Georgian Court provides students with an exceptional education: “We do this in accordance with a rich Catholic tradition that enables the university to provide a program of student formation designed to produce persons who are empowered to shape a just and compassionate world.”
The keynote address was delivered by Michael Pawlish, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Business Administration and Recipient of the 2025 Virginia Graham ’31 Award for Teaching Excellence. Dr. Pawlish encouraged students to embrace uncertainty as part of their journey of discovery: “Maybe you’re wondering if you’ve chosen the right major, or if you even know what you want to do with your life. I’m here to tell you something that might surprise you: not knowing is perfectly okay. In fact, it might be exactly where you need to be.”
He added, “Trust the journey. Embrace the unexpected. Build something meaningful, even if you’re not sure what form it will take. Your calling isn’t waiting at some fixed destination – it’s being constructed with every choice you make, every skill you develop, every risk you take.”
Convocation also highlighted student accomplishments with awards for academic excellence, leadership, service, professionalism, and global awareness. Dean Jennifer Edmonds of the School of Business & Digital Media presented awards on behalf of Dean Mary Chinery of the School of Arts, Sciences, & Education, who was unable to attend due to illness, before announcing her own school’s honorees. Dean Teresa Wurmser of the Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing & Wellness followed with additional student awards.
Dean of Students Sharmay Wood presented the Saint Catharine Medal for student achievement, an annual award presented at universities affiliated with Kappa Gamma Pi, the national Catholic college graduate honor society.
Following the recognition of student achievements, Belynnda King ’26, President of the Student Government Association, led her peers in a pledge to uphold the Mercy core values and utilize their gifts to cultivate a community of growth throughout their time at Georgian Court.
The alumni speaker, Dr. Kayla Wilson ‘21, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Wellness, and Sports from Georgian Court before completing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, shared how the Mercy core values impacted her. “During my own journey here, these values became my compass, shaping how I learned, how I led, and how I connected with others.”
Dr. Wilson offered her “Big Five Lessons” of wisdom, referencing the Mercy core values, to guide students through their own special journeys at Georgian Court. “So, as you begin this academic year, I encourage each of you to carry these lessons forward. Be informed. Listen deeply. Move with purpose. Protect your time. And have the courage to confront the obstacles that stand in your way.” She encouraged faculty and staff to make their own five guiding principles or lessons to have “an even greater impact on the growth, learning, and success of every member of the GCU community.”
Continuing a beloved tradition, Dr. Wilson presented the class flag on behalf of the Alumni Association to a first-year student, symbolizing their journey from new Georgian Court students to future alumni. The flag will be returned to the Alumni Association at Commencement. This year, Alyssa Michaels, a Nursing major from the Class of 2029 and a graduate of Old Bridge High School, accepted the flag on behalf of the newest cohort of Georgian Court Lions.
Jeff Schaffer, Executive Director of Mission and Ministry, announced the distribution of Joining the Mission: A Field Guide for Students, a booklet designed to help students “navigate the mercy world and find your path to your life’s destination.”
Campus Minister Amy Cerreta closed the ceremony with a blessing for the new students and faculty, offering inspiration as they begin this academic year.
Convocation 2025 united the Georgian Court community around the guiding Mercy core values and the shared mission of academic and personal excellence, reminding all present that everyone is on a journey of growth, but success is deeply rooted in community and service.
