Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Overcoming challenges, embracing grace, and using your passion to make a difference were the overarching themes expressed during the celebration of Georgian Court University’s 114th Annual Commencement. This year, 465 degrees were conferred from the University’s three schools: 319 Bachelor’s Degrees, 134 Master’s Degrees, and three Doctorate Degrees.
The Baccalaureate Mass at the Dorothy Marron University Community Chapel set the tone of the day as Executive Director of Mission and Ministry Jeffrey Schaffer welcomed those of all faiths. “Today we celebrate the grace manifested in the support of family in friends, the blessings of faculty and staff who have shared their passion freely, and the gifts and talents that God has given us to serve the common good and make a difference in the world.”
The blessings continued with the Homily presented by Msgr. Vince Gartland, a university trustee and retired priest of the Trenton Diocese. He cautioned the new graduates about becoming overwhelmed by the many social, environmental, political, and even technological challenges of today. “The list of challenges can wear us down before we start, causing a numbness that paralyzes us to non-action. Only passion will break the numbness.” The Msgr. added, “I challenge each of you to develop your passion and bring it to focus on one of these issues to make the world a better place and create a life worth living. A single individual filled with passion, equipped with knowledge, fortified with faith and infused with hope will move us slowly but surely to the Kingdom of God.”
At noon, the sound of bagpipes marked the procession of faculty and graduates garbed in academic regalia around the Apollo Fountain to the Wellness Center. Cheering parents, family, and friends greeted the graduates, proudly waving personalized photo signs, balloons, and even sparkly magic wands emblazoned with “Congratulations” or “Class of 2025.” The venue was standing room only, and more than 1,300 watched remotely.
“Welcome!” exclaimed Provost Dr. Janice Warner, who opened the official graduation ceremony. “Let me be the first to congratulate the class of 2025!”
Following a moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, Interim President Dr. Eugene Cornaccia addressed the graduates.
“I see a class defined not just by achievement, but by resilience, purpose, and heart. You have learned so much. You’ve found strength in your community, built bonds that will last a lifetime, and discovered who you are and what you care about most,” said Dr. Cornaccia. “You’ve organized food drives, mentored students with disabilities, researched alongside faculty, and extended care to those who needed it most. You made this campus better, and we are grateful. You leave not just with a degree, but with the knowledge that you are capable of transformation—your own and the world’s.”
The undergraduate speaker, Dr. Tara Chalakani, an integrative psychotherapist and CEO of Preferred Behavioral Health Group in Lakewood, N.J., explained the importance of human connections for personal well-being and career success. “The power of connection is priceless. Eighty-five percent of people say they got their jobs because of networking, and connections increase business opportunities, career advancement, and improve knowledge and skills.” She added. “Creating a community and being connected also reduces stress, increases longevity, boosts brain function, and makes you happier.”
Undergraduate student speaker Emma Gildea gave her fellow graduates a chuckle when she said her message was to “Just Keep Swimming,” the phrase made famous in the movie Finding Nemo. “Life, like Nemo’s Ocean, will present challenges and unexpected detours. But each moment is an opportunity. Take risks, stay curious, trust yourself and others, and never underestimate your capacity to grow from adversity.”
Gildea, a star GCU volleyball player who earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a second major in Spanish, added, “GCU has prepared us to face the future with confidence, with the knowledge, skills, and experience to make a meaningful impact in our chosen fields. As we leave today, carry the lessons of perseverance and courage with you.”
Former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, executive director of the Mercy Center in Asbury Park, N.J., received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters and presented the graduate address. “GCU provides a value-driven education and always stays true to its mission. Embody the Mercy spirit, let it guide you, and be the bedrock of your success. You will be surprised by what your education has prepared you for. I know, all of you will make a difference in this world because of the education you received here.”
Guadagno also shared her secret for ongoing success: “Always take the shot! You have to be willing to take the chance, face challenges, and have confidence in your abilities. Take the shot and you will never regret a single day of your life.”
Graduate student speaker Lauren Jensen ’23, ’24, said that after earning two degrees at GCU, the most important advice she has is to say “YES.” “Saying ‘yes’ opens doors that we never knew existed, and it is often pleasantly surprising where those doors may lead.” Jensen, who earned an M.S. in Integrated Marketing & Communication, also told her fellow graduates not to fear change. “It puts each of us on the journey that we are meant to be on that will bring us where we need to be. Today, we celebrate the changes we have embraced, the growth we have undergone, and the endless possibilities we have ahead.”
During the ceremonies, several awards and achievement recognitions were presented:
● Academic Award for Excellence: Dina Alexandra Zemble, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Presented to the senior who has attained the highest grade point average.
● Kingdon Gould, Jr. Award: Millan Webster, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports. Awarded by the Student Government Association to the senior who, in the opinion of fellow classmates, contributed the most to the general welfare of Georgian Court.
● Virginia Graham ’31 Award for Teaching Excellence: Dr. Michael Pawlish, Assistant Professor of Business Administration. Presented to a faculty member, nominated by their peers, who demonstrates outstanding leadership, teaching, and mentoring skills, and a strong commitment to inspiring and helping students.
The honor of the first undergraduate degrees awarded went to Daniel (Dan) Zang and Neelotpol (Neel) Pal, the first students to graduate from the GCU Transition and Career Studies Program. The program serves students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The memory of a student who passed away, Ingrid Sabrina Rivera Zuniga, was also honored when Dr. Cornaccia presented the family with her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree.
Dr. Cornacchia also paid tribute to faculty for their unwavering commitment to student success and recognized the newest emeriti faculty members, professors who have at least ten years of service with distinction to the university:
Dr. Lili Bruess, Associate Professor Emerita of Education; Dr. Cathleen McQuillen, Associate Professor Emerita of Accounting; Dr. Neal Steed ‘06, Assistant Professor Emeritus of Accounting; and Sister Barbara Williams, RSM,’63, H’17, Librarian/Archivist Emerita, which will be added to her previous status as President Emerita.
Deacon Jim Knipper,’15, H’17, Vice Chair of the GCU Board of Trustees, told graduates to be confident and trust in the values they deepened while attending Georgian Court. “Your character, along with your competency, are gifts you bring with you as you face the future. Hold fast to them, as this world is in dire need of them. We applaud you as you go forth to make a meaningful contribution to our global community.”
President of the Alumni Association Stephanie Dalton ’94, ’02, reinforced that the connections graduates have as alumni will always be there to provide support. “Commencement is an event commemorating the transition of life from one stage to the next, but the lessons learned in the classroom and outside of it will serve you for the rest of your lives. As a graduate of Georgian Court, you are equipped with the tools for success and will forever be part of the GCU family.”
Dr. Cornaccia concluded, “The world you enter needs your leadership, curiosity, and courage. It needs the voices of those who have learned to listen. It needs the skills of those who understand that progress is most meaningful when rooted in purpose. And it needs graduates like you who believe that success isn’t just about what you earn, but how you serve.” He added, “As you leave Georgian Court, I hope you take with you more than academic knowledge. I hope you carry a deeper sense of responsibility to those around you. Be a force for good.”
