Caldwell University Celebrates Graduation Amid Pandemic

CALDWELL, NJ — Some cheered the 2020 class of Caldwell University in person. Others rooted for them online. But there was one common thread for all who helped to celebrate the 78th commencement ceremony: pride.

On Sunday, Caldwell University hosted its annual commencement, boosted by some beautiful autumn temperatures. The ceremony – which was delayed this year due to the coronavirus pandemic – took place four months after it was originally scheduled.

To ensure social distancing, university administrators broke the graduates into three separate groups – two with undergrads and one with graduates – each of which got their own ceremony.

One by one, student speakers described how the historic commencement event marked a turning point in their lives.

“We displayed resiliency and persevered through the pandemic ... we stand here today in celebration, better, stronger and wiser for it,” said Marisa Juliano of Forked River, who gave the student commencement address at the graduate ceremony.

Juliano, who earned a master of art in clinical mental health counseling with an art therapy specialization degree, helped COVID-19 patients and high-risk seniors by providing art therapy services at a senior citizen community.

“The Caldwell mission of giving back lives within each of us,” she said.

Lamar-Shea Chang, who gave the commencement address at the undergraduate ceremonies, said his fellow students will take the lessons they acquired at Caldwell University and apply them to their home communities.

“We are leaving with arsenals of tools and a calibrated compass needed to have an impact on the lives of billions, for generations to come,” said Chang, who grew up on the island of Jamaica in Portmore, St. Catherine.

“It is true – a mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions,” Chang said.

Stefani Konboz, who earned a bachelor of arts in biology and is now pursuing a master’s degree in occupational therapy, said it was “surreal” to attend the ceremony.

“We finally get to see everyone again and celebrate our accomplishments,” Konboz said.

University officials praised the tenaciousness of this year’s graduating class.

Matthew Whelan, who became Caldwell University’s ninth president in July, noted that if it were not for the pandemic, the graduates and he would not have crossed paths.

Whelan commended the students for burning the candle at both ends while juggling jobs, internships and other responsibilities.

“You were met with unprecedented challenges,” Whelan said. “Your world was upended. And still, you made it. You have taught me that when you carry the Caldwell University mission and the core values of respect, integrity, community and excellence, nothing is impossible.”

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