Georgian Court University opened the 2026–2027 academic year with Convocation on September 10, bringing together new and continuing students, faculty, staff, and leaders.
Members of the Class of 2030 and other new students were formally welcomed into Georgian Court’s academic community and Mercy tradition, while continuing students were recognized for their achievements from the previous academic year.
Christopher Ames, Ph.D., Interim Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, opened the ceremony by emphasizing the importance of relationships and encouraging students to connect with faculty, advisors, staff, and one another.
“Georgian Court Lions are leaders—they stand up; they don’t stand by,” Dr. Ames said. “They embrace the Mercy core values and Critical Concerns to be informed contributors to a just and respectful society. They serve others and act with integrity and compassion.”
President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., welcomed students and reaffirmed the university’s academic mission. He also recognized the faculty, staff, administrators, coaches, and trainers who contribute to the student experience.
“As a Mercy institution, we are dedicated to service,” Dr. Cornacchia said. “Educating members of the community, especially those who have been traditionally underserved, is our primary method for serving our community.”
Taking Opportunities
Vincent Chen, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Health Studies Internship Coordinator, and Director of the University Honors Program, traced the unexpected opportunities that shaped his career, including experiences in writing, business, technology, and higher education.
Dr. Chen is the 2026 recipient of the Virginia Graham ’31 Award for Teaching Excellence, which recognizes outstanding leadership, teaching, and mentoring skills, as well as a strong commitment to inspiring and helping students.
“While you’re at GCU, try to create your own opportunities,” Dr. Chen said. “Get involved in research with your professors, join a student organization, or explore your interests in general education courses. If a professor offers you an opportunity, take it. We encourage you because we see your potential.”
Celebrating Student Achievement
Students were also recognized for academic achievement, leadership, research, service, professionalism, and community engagement.
Jennifer Edmonds, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Business, Education, Liberal Arts, and Sciences, and Teresa Wurmser, Ph.D., Dean of the Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness, presented awards from their respective schools.
Dean of Students Sharmay Wood presented the Saint Catherine Medal, an annual award recognizing leadership and service to the university. This year’s recipient was Abdullah Brown, a member of the Class of 2027 and Co-President of the Campus Activities Board.
Brown then led incoming first-year and transfer students in the student pledge and honor code pledge, affirming their commitment to integrity, justice, compassion, leadership, service, and respect for the dignity of others.
Finding Your Own Path
For alumnus Niklas Laenger ’22, taking an unexpected opportunity was what brought him to Georgian Court in the first place.
Laenger earned his B.S. in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology. At GCU, he served as captain of the men’s soccer team, helped lead the program to its first national ranking, and served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and as a Resident Life Assistant. He is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Immunology and Infectious Diseases at The Wistar Institute in Philadelphia.
Speaking to the Class of 2030, Laenger encouraged students to take chances even when they do not have everything figured out.
“That decision brought me to Georgian Court, and it changed my life,” he said. “It taught me that you do not need to see the entire path before taking the first step.”
He urged students to make room for college life beyond the classroom and to remain curious about the people and possibilities they encounter along the way.
“So yes, go to class. Study. Take your work seriously. But also stay at the table a little longer,” he said. “Talk to someone you do not know. Go to the game or the event.”
“You do not have to know exactly where you are going,” he told students. “I certainly did not.”
Laenger concluded his remarks by participating in a longstanding Georgian Court Convocation tradition: the presentation of the class flag.
Each incoming class receives a flag at Convocation that represents the class throughout its years at Georgian Court. The flag is returned at Commencement as the class joins the GCU alumni community.
Ayress Maitland, a Health Sciences major from the Class of 2030 and graduate of Delsea High School, accepted the flag on behalf of her classmates.
The ceremony also included an invocation by Jeff Schaffer, Executive Director of Mission and Ministry; a blessing of students by Campus Minister Amy Cerreta; and the singing of the alma mater led by Tina Fernandes and accompanied by University Director of Music Robert MacReynolds.
As Convocation came to a close, new students were invited to sign the GCU pledge. Students, families, faculty, and staff congratulated the afternoon’s award recipients.
