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Georgian Court University recognized the accomplishments of former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, executive director of the Mercy Center in Asbury Park, N.J., during the 114th Annual Commencement Ceremony.
Interim President Dr. Eugene Cornaccia presented Guadagno, who served as the graduate ceremony speaker, with an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. “Her distinguished record of public service, legal leadership, and commitment to uplifting underserved communities through the Mercy Center embodies the Mercy core values that guide our mission.” He added, “As our graduates prepare to make their mark on the world, they will be inspired by her example of integrity, perseverance, and purpose-driven leadership.”
Guadagno told graduates that they are fortunate to have earned their degrees from Georgian Court University because they have learned more than academics—they have learned how to incorporate the Mercy core values of respect, integrity, justice, compassion, and service into all aspects of their lives.
“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.” She added, “I know all of you will make a difference in this world because of the education you received here.”
During the address, she spoke about the many diverse career paths she has followed, including attorney, Monmouth County Sheriff, stay-at-home mother of three, lieutenant governor, Secretary of State, and Gubernatorial candidate. She then switched to helping those less fortunate by leading non-profits such as Fulfill and now the Mercy Center.
She shared her keys to success: “Find your passion and follow it so that you wake up every morning doing what you love. Always write your life plan in pencil because change will happen. Reach as you rise to help someone else along the way and make our communities better.”
Finally, the most important piece of advice: 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.”
The Georgian Court conferred 456 degrees during the Commencement Ceremonies, including 319 Bachelor’s Degrees, 134 Master’s Degrees, and three Doctorate Degrees.
About Kim Guadagno:
As President and Executive Director of the Mercy Center, Kim Guadagno has brought her passion, experience, and deep sense of justice to a mission that seeks to end generational poverty. The Mercy Center’s crisis services help transform lives by providing family counseling, and tuition-free education at the Sisters Academy for girls in grades 4 through 8. Last year alone, the Mercy Center fed more than 100,000 people and supported over 7,300 through its Family Resource Center.
Guadagno was New Jersey ‘s first female Lieutenant Governor from 2010-2018 and the state’s 33rd Secretary of State. In these roles advocated tirelessly for businesses across New Jersey and oversaw critical programs related to elections, travel and tourism, and hundreds of state commissions.
Her commitment to public service is also reflected in her historic role as the first woman elected Sheriff of Monmouth County, where she led a law enforcement agency of more than 650 personnel.
A seasoned attorney, she has worked as both a federal and state prosecutor, taught at Rutgers Law School in Newark for six years, and continues to practice law as a partner at Connell Foley.
