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John E. Harmon Sr., the founder, president, and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, told the Class of 2025 they have the commitment and discipline to succeed during his keynote address at William Paterson University’s 2025 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on May 20 at the Prudential Center in Newark.
More than 2,000 graduates, who ranged in age from 20 to 66, were recognized during the ceremony. They hailed from 25 states and 50 countries and included 49 veterans and active service members. Nearly 50 percent are first-generation college students, and the majority worked while earning their degrees. More than 570 students graduated with the Latin honors of summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude for achieving consistently high, or perfect, grade point averages during their studies at William Paterson.
“You are a pioneer…one who seeks to discover, one who has the aptitude to lead and not follow, one who seeks to apply an innovative approach to getting something done!” Harmon said. “You must be mindful of who you are and this institution, which provided the environment, nurturing, direction, and resources that allowed you to cultivate your dreams into a plan of action.”
He continued, “Now, it is incumbent of you to take the investment made by William Paterson University in you to solve the challenges that are awaiting post-graduation. As you ponder your pathway to success, you must constantly remind yourself that you have what it takes to succeed. Why? Because your mind is the most powerful tool at your disposal.”
Harmon noted that he was one of seven children and the only one to earn a college degree after initially working as an auto mechanic after high school. “Life’s possibilities are endless when you approach it believing that what you desire to achieve is not insurmountable,” he added. “Your mind is the most powerful resource that you have in your possession.”
During the ceremony, Harmon who was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree in recognition of “his achievements as a public servant, his initiatives focused on African American residents and businesses in the State of New Jersey, and for his leadership and commitment to improving the lives of all citizens in the State of New Jersey.”
In his address at the ceremony, University President Richard J. Helldobler asked the graduates to think deeply about the world they live in, and the kind of world they want to live in. “As you consider these critical questions, you will, at times, need to navigate among passion and practicality,” he told the Class of 2025. “But please don’t think that you have to choose between them. Find opportunities to combine your passions and practical considerations. Play to your strengths and always be open to fostering new ones.”
“Whatever your passion and whichever path you choose, I can assure you that our increasingly divided world very much needs the many talents that the William Paterson class of 2025 has to offer,” President Helldobler added. “It needs the kind of Will. Power. that got you where you are today.”
President Helldobler noted that the ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, the last five words of which are “liberty and justice for all.”
“You will now have the benefit of having both a college degree and the experience of being part of one of the most diverse communities in one of the most diverse states,” he said. “So I would submit that you now have a special obligation to use your tools to help our nation – your nation – live up to its ideals of liberty and justice for all, and engage in the conversations around the complexities of that very small yet powerful word—all.”
Alaena Shepherd Merrill, a May 2025 graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in early childhood education and liberal studies, summa cum laude, was selected as the undergraduate student speaker. Merrill spoke about growing up learning how to manage her dyslexia and ADHD, which was difficult.
“When I was accepted to William Paterson I was determined to change that narrative—something I wouldn’t have been able to do without the guidance of some very important staff members who helped encourage and push me to new levels of success,” said Merrill. “I also want to offer my deepest thanks to all the families and friends who have supported us along the way. I know for a fact that many of us would not be here today without your love and encouragement…My being up here today is a testament to the love and guidance my entire family has always given me.”
Merrill congratulated her fellow graduates for their achievement but reminded them that their accomplishments do not define them. “We are more than the titles we earn or the degrees we hold,” she said. “Because when the applause fades and the caps come down, what really matters is who we are when no one’s watching. It’s how we show up for our family and friends when they’re struggling…It’s how we bounce back from failure or heartbreak or a day that just didn’t go our way with strength, love, and joy.”
“We won’t always succeed at being our best selves,” she added, but because we’re William Paterson Pioneers, we all have the willpower to keep trying.”
The graduates, who ranged in age from 20 to 66, hailed from 25 states and 50 countries, and included 49 veterans and active service members. Nearly 50 percent are first-generation college students, and the majority worked while earning their degrees. More than 570 students graduated with the Latin honors of summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude for achieving consistently high, or perfect, grade point averages during their studies at William Paterson.
During the ceremony, three faculty were honored for excellence. Michael Griffiths, professor of environmental science, received the 2025 Faculty Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Expression Award; Emily Monroe Waldburger, associate professor of biology, received the 2025 Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, and Wendy Christensen, associate professor of sociology, received the 2025 Faculty Excellence Award for Service. Alumni from the Class of 1975 also processed with the graduates and were acknowledged for their milestone 50th reunion.
The event, which drew more than 10,000 family and friends, marked the University’s 202nd Commencement ceremony.
As a powerhouse for new talent, William Paterson University offers unmatched support and next-level learning experiences. Together, we're reinventing what an excellent education looks like - here's how.
Our classrooms are never confined to four walls. Students work closely with faculty, get firsthand research experience, and discover fields they never knew existed. And because no two learners are alike, we offer flexible degree options, alternate credentials, and liberal transfer credits.
Your Success Is Our Priority
The transition to college can come with many questions, which is why all first-year Pioneers are paired with a Student Success Team.
This tailored team of experts is composed of a professional advisor, financial aid counselor, career coach, and starting sophomore year, a faculty mentor in the student’s major.
Discover What You Will. Power.
The first semester of college can be overwhelming, and Will. Power. 101, our first-year program, is designed to empower students throughout this life transition. In this semester-long course, students will explore what it means to be a powerhouse in academics, campus involvement and personal development, all while becoming more ingrained in the William Paterson community.
Mentorship That Goes Beyond The Classroom
We have exceptional faculty at William Paterson, and in addition to being experts in their fields, our professors strongly emphasize and prioritize mentorship. Here, students refine and grow in their skills while working alongside and building meaningful relationships with faculty.
We equip our students with the skills and resources they need to thrive, as both thoughtful members of society and career-ready graduates. See how you can excel at William Paterson.
