Ramapo College Begins 2021 Commencement Ceremonies

MAHWAH, NJ — Ramapo College held the first batch of what will be nine, in-person, commencement ceremonies for the class of 2021 on Monday and Tuesday.

The college will host additional ceremonies Wednesday and Thursday as campus officials continue to navigate the coronavirus pandemic.

But the college's arching ceremony returned, as did the conferring of degrees by Ramapo President Peter Mercer.

Mercer, who became the president in 2005, will also deliver the final graduation day remarks of his tenure, as he'll be retiring June 30.

Here's his message, according to the college:

"It has been my privilege to serve as your president and to come to know many of you over the past several years whether it be through your leadership, classroom work and presentations, your art, music or vocal performances, or your civic and extracurricular engagement. For me and my wife Jackie, being a part of Ramapo College for the last 16 years has meant being a part of the future, namely your future. Several people have asked me recently, ‘Peter, how does it feel—this being your last semester with Ramapo College?’ I find myself responding to them, 'This may be my last semester at Ramapo College, but it is not my final semester with Ramapo College.'

This place, its people, its energies, and its quirks, it has become a part of me and I hope the same is true for all of you. We may leave this campus today, but we are not leaving Ramapo College. We are better together and Ramapo will always be with you."

All ceremonies are livestreamed, and videos and photos from the day can be viewed by click here.

From Ramapo College officials, here are some facts about this year's graduating class:

• 1,283 total undergraduates (January 2021, June 2021, August 2021)
• 286 total master’s recipients (including August 2021 candidates)
• 34 international students representing Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Honduras, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka 127 students affiliated with the Office of Specialized Services (OSS)
• 71 Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Scholars
• 11 Veteran students (including dependents of armed forces service members)
• 2 Ramapo College employees
• 37 Degree Completion Graduates (including August 2021 candidates)

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