Galloway, N.J. – Perseverance, resilience and optimism are the themes of the Stockton University 2021 Commencement, being held in 12 ceremonies from May 11-13 to adhere to pandemic guidelines.
“In the last year you have experienced challenges in our world that have baffled minds and broken heats,” President Harvey Kesselman said. “But, to our amazement, these same challenges have sparked new ways of thinking and generated faith in causes bigger than ourselves.”
He said he puts his hope and optimism in the graduates, and advise them to keep learning, and more importantly keep living.
“Don’t get so caught up in making a living that you forget how to actually live,” Kesselman said. “Because if this past year has taught us anything, it has taught us to take nothing for granted.”
More than 2,600 students graduate from Stockton this week, many of them also having overcome struggles, and all of them having grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than 2,000 graduates are participating in the 12 COVID-19-safe ceremonies in the Sports Center, with a few family members cheering them on in person, and others watching the livestream on the Stockton website.
Area philanthropist and businessman Michael Azeez was awarded an honorary doctorate for his community work and support of Stockton.
“He has been an extraordinary partner to this institution,” President Harvey Kesselman said. “Not only has he supported the Stockton University Foundation for more than 15 years, but he has led several philanthropic initiatives at Stockton, including the establishment of the Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage.”
In 2011, Azeez gifted the Woodbine museum and $5 million toward its support to the university. He is also actively involved in the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center at Stockton.
“Because of his efforts and partnership with this institution, Stockton can share the lessons of the Holocaust with our students and community to continue to honor, remember and educate,” Kesselman said.
Each ceremony featured graduates of a different school, and a designated student speaker, who continued the themes of perseverance, resilience and optimism.
Brittany Barnett of Egg Harbor Township said she never imagined herself speaking at the Stockton University Commencement.
“As I child, I was diagnosed with autism and my parents were told I would never speak, fit in with others, nor be capable of caring for myself,” said Barnett, who earned a B.S.in Business Studies with a concentration in finance and economics.
With help from family and aides, Barnett learned to adjust to outside stimuli, socialize and make friends at school and community college.
“But it wasn’t until Stockton that I figured out who I was and what I wanted to do with my life,” said Barnett, who has a summer job at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City she hopes can lead to a permanent position.
“I never let anyone tell me what I can and cannot do, to the point I surprised even myself in beating the odds to have all the things I thought I’d never have,” Barnett said. “I tell my story because I’ve seen others struggle and persevere: parents, working students, exchange students, people with health issues, heck, just professors trying to figure out how to use Zoom. But despite all of our differences and obstacles, we are here today with our loved ones and the memories of those we wish could be here.”
Tre’ron McBride of Glassboro, who received a B.S. in Business Studies encouraged everyone to thank someone who helped them during their collegiate journey. He thanked his mother, who raised him as a single parent.
McBride recalled arriving on campus and feeling a bit overwhelmed by the assignments. He called his mom to complain, but persevered.
“The moral of the story is that I soon realized the importance of time management and ow to deal with adversity,” McBride said.
He is heading to Tulane University in New Orleans where he will work toward a Master’s Degree in Business. His goal is to become a company Chief Financial Officer.
“Our graduation should serve as a launching point,” McBride said.
New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges is scheduled to participate in the 2 p.m. May 12 ceremony.
