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Rain could not dampen the spirts of the more than 1,100 William Paterson University doctoral and master’s degree graduates who celebrated earning their advanced degrees during three Graduate Commencement ceremonies on May 22 in the Sports and Recreation Center on campus.
Graduates of the Costakos College of Business were recognized during a morning ceremony, College of Science and Health graduates were recognized during an afternoon ceremony, and those earning degrees in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Education participated in an evening ceremony.
This year’s ceremonies included nine graduates who were awarded the doctor of nursing practice degrees, eight candidates who were awarded doctor of education in leadership degrees, and eight who were awarded doctor of psychology degrees in clinical psychology. The graduates hail from 19 states and 17 countries and included 17 veterans and active-duty service members.
President Richard J. Helldobler gave remarks at each ceremony. Noting that only about 14 percent of American adults have earned an advanced degree, he told the graduates that “your new degree is a kind of golden ticket that will bring you a better, more prosperous life and, with it, a greater responsibility to help others. Contemporary life is constantly teaching us hard but valuable lessons about disparities of economic opportunity, justice, and health in many of our communities,” he said. “May we all learn from these lessons and commit our talent, skill, and energy to building a better, healthier, more just world.”
He added that he is optimistic, despite all the challenges the world faces today, “Indeed, the greatest source of my optimism is you, the graduates before me, who are prepared to go forth, empowered to take meaningful action that will change the world in a way that aligns with your purpose and your values.”
President Helldobler encouraged them to “combine your career success with personal fulfillment, surround yourself with people who will lift you up as you lift them up, and you will create a rewarding life for yourself, your family, and your community.”
Sabrina Madsen, a human resource advisor at Signify, served as the graduate student speaker at the morning ceremony. She earned a master of business administration degree in human resource management in January 2025.
“My message to my fellow graduates is this: you do have this, even when life throws its toughest challenges your way. Fight for your ambitions. And, if you lose the first fight, get back into the ring – and fight again. Do not rely on goodwill; advocate for yourself. And, most importantly, be resilient every day.”
She also encouraged the graduates to remember that life is not easy and will not always be perfect. “But your ability to make an impact regardless of where you are on your journey is significant,” she said. “You can drive positive change, practice empathy, and overcome any roadblocks you meet.”
The afternoon ceremony speaker was Gianna Labiento, who earned a master of science degree in materials chemistry. A 2023 graduate of William Paterson with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, she is the first in her family to earn an advanced degree.
“As we leave here today, know that the journey we are beginning is one of continuous learning,” she said. “Our degrees are not just the end of our education—they are the foundation upon which we will build your careers, futures, and our legacies. The world is waiting for our contributions, and it is eager to see the positive changes we will bring.”
She urged her fellow classmates to “carry with you the values we’ve learned at William Paterson—integrity, curiosity, service, and the drive to make a meaningful difference. Be proud of how far we’ve come but never forget to stay humble and hungry for knowledge,” she continued. “The path we walk today will be different tomorrow, but it will always be one that leads toward the betterment of others.
Dave Saunders, who earned a master of fine arts degree in visual arts, spoke at the evening ceremony. Saunders spoke about their graduate thesis, Like Stars in a Tide Pool, which explores themes of storytelling, self-exploration, and queer culture through a narrative video game.
“I am certain you all, much like the tide pools, have personal cultures– people, places, moments, stories, and ideas. Some we may share; others are fully unique,” they said. “Perhaps your own memories of experiences and challenges, both personally and academically, are at the forefront of your minds today.”
“This is our clear night of glittering stars, reflecting back into space as we shine brightly, together: we’re here, now,” they continued. “Like stars in a tide pool, the culture and community of William Paterson University has something special and that is we are not in this alone, we are in this together - and I feel it…And I truly hope those of you who will walk across this stage today in any capacity…I truly hope you feel it, too.”
The graduates, including many who earned degrees fully online through the University’s WP Online platform, processed from tents in Pioneer Soccer Park through festive arches of black and orange balloons to the Sports and Recreation Center. More than 1,500 family and friends filled the venue for each ceremony.
