For the graduates dressed in their commencement regalia and brightly-decorated caps, Commencement day is the culmination of a momentous journey that was years in the making, bookended by long hours of studying, attending lectures, completing assignments and numerous sleepless nights.
Before hundreds of proud family members, friends and loved ones gathered in the Quad and inside Walter E. Edge Theater to watch via livestream, 400 students in attendance received their associate degrees and certificates at Atlantic Cape Community College’s 58th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 22 at the Mays Landing campus.
The Class of 2025 featured 891 students, between the ages of 17 to 77, who were awarded 887 associate degrees and 37 certificates. Associate degrees were also conferred upon 31 high school seniors from Atlantic and Cape May counties including Absegami, Cedar Creek, Lower Township, Middle Township, Oakcrest and Pleasantville high schools taking part in Atlantic Cape’s Early College Program.
Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba, who was joined on stage by members of the college’s Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, President’s cabinet, staff and university partners, joyfully welcomed all in attendance to the graduation festivities and commended each graduate on their tremendous accomplishments.
“Graduates, to get here today to this most important milestone, you had overcome challenges. Many of you have dealt with illness, mental health issues, caring for a sick loved one, raising a family, and even battling addiction, to name just a few of the unbelievable obstacles that this class had to endure to make it here today,” said Gaba. “Through it all, your determination has shown and it has brought you where you are today, to the finish line for the certificate or college degree from Atlantic Cape. You continue to inspire all of us with your tenacity, persistence and resilience.
“And through all the challenges, you are here today celebrating a milestone, graduating with an associate degree or certificate, that means more now than ever. The skills you have learned will carry you on to the workplace or to a college or university where you will earn a bachelor’s degree as you prepare for the new workforce, one that is flexible and entertaining. I have so much hope for our community and confidence in our future because I have seen the incredible things that our graduates have accomplished.”
Keynote speaker and Atlantic Cape Class of 1990 alumnus Eric Scheffler, executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments and shared what he believes is the key to achieving a meaningful, whole and rewarding life, kindness.
“Maya Angelou once said, ‘people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.’ The world will often tell you that toughness wins, that competition beats compassion, but after nearly three decades of walking through boardrooms, patrol rooms and more, I will tell you that kindness is strength,” said Scheffler. “It’s the kind of strength that builds bridges, not walls. The kind that says I see you and I value you, and in today’s world, that kind of strength is rare and it is powerful. Kindness is also contagious, especially in moments of pressure, conflict, or division. You model what real leadership, real character and real progress looks like.”
Outgoing Student Government Association (SGA) President Juwan Torres advised his fellow graduates to remember that “our focus grows when our purpose is clear” and that they have the ability, with their knowledge and voice, to change the world for the better.
“As Nelson Mandela once stated, ‘education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.’ Allow knowledge to guide you on your journey of discovery. Let it inspire you and motivate your actions with every step and every breath that you draw. May we carry the courage, resolve and conviction to meet every challenge head on,” said Torres.
The Class of 2025’s 4.0 honors student representative Roman Segov spoke of his journey to Atlantic Cape as an international student who had to learn a new language and culture while finding his true voice and calling academically.
“Look around you. We all came here from so many different walks of life. Some of you came straight from high school. Others jumped to college after years of working, raising families or serving your country. Many of you balance multiple jobs, parenting and coursework, while some like me crossed oceans,” said Segov. “The diversity of our experiences isn’t just inspiring, it is powerful. It showed me that success doesn’t follow one script. It’s reading in many voices. Along the way I discovered something interesting and surprising about myself, that I’m a physics nerd. It was here that I stopped seeing education as a duty and started to see it as a calling.”
As the rainy and cool weather continued to dampen the day’s proceedings, Segov shined a light upon everyone with a warm send-off.
“You know, some people say that the rain during graduation is a good luck. If that’s true, then we start today with a downpour of blessings. Congratulations, Class of 2025.”
View a photo gallery of the 2025 Commencement ceremony here on Flickr.
Visit atlanticcape.edu/graduation to download a copy of the Commencement program, read Graduate Spotlights and more.
