Atlantic Cape Community College awarded 887 associate degrees and 37 certificates to students ages 17 to 77 at the college’s 58th annual commencement ceremonies May 22 in Mays Landing.
The college also awarded associate degrees to 31 high school seniors from Cape May and Atlantic counties, including Lower Township and Middle Township, who took part in Atlantic Cape’s Early College Program.
Atlantic Cape President Barbara Gaba said in her welcome, “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.
“You continue to inspire all of us with your tenacity, persistence and resilience.”
Keynote speaker and Atlantic Cape Class of 1990 alumnus Eric Scheffler, executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, congratulated the graduates and said he believes the key to achieving a meaningful, whole and rewarding life is kindness.
“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,” Scheffler told those assembled.
Outgoing Student Government Association 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,” Torres said.
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.
“We all came here from so many different walks of life,” Segov said. “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. The diversity of our experiences isn’t just inspiring, it is powerful.”
Visit atlanticcape.edu/graduation to download a copy of the commencement program, read Graduate Spotlights and more.
