Commencement 2015

Montclair State University held its 2015 Commencement exercises on May 20, 2015, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, conferring 4,616 degrees in science and mathematics, humanities and the social sciences, business, the arts and education. The Class of 2015, which is the largest in the University’s 107-year history, includes 3,446 bachelor’s degree, 1,137 master’s degree and 33 doctoral degree recipients.

Montclair State University President Susan A. Cole presided over the exercises and the Commencement address was delivered by The Honorable Stuart Rabner, Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

Throughout his career, Chief Justice Rabner has earned a reputation as a distinguished jurist, serving the people of New Jersey and the justice system with integrity. Beginning his career as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, he held a number of positions within the U.S. Attorney’s office, including chief of the terrorism unit, chief of the criminal division, and first assistant to the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.

He was named Chief Counsel to Governor Corzine in 2006; subsequently served as Attorney General of the State of New Jersey; and, in 2007, was sworn in as Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court. He is credited with modernizing New Jersey’s court and bail systems, and issuing landmark decisions on matters such as the right to privacy and the right to marry.

Quoting Dr. Benjamin Mays, an African American minister, educator and social activist who was a mentor to Martin Luther King Jr., the Chief Justice urged the graduates to think about what they will do with the time they have and to remember that with the degrees they are receiving, there is no limit to their choices and opportunities for the future.

Greetings from the senior class were offered by Amber Kusching, who received a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Studies. After graduating she will begin working in New York as a literary management apprentice.

Sivuyisiwe Wonci was the graduate student speaker. Wonci, who received a Master of Public Health degree, will return to her native South Africa to pursue a doctorate.

Congratulations to the Class of 2015!

Photo Gallery – Full Commencement Ceremony Video

Read media coverage by NJ.com and The Record.

Prior to Commencement, each of the University’s colleges and schools held Convocation ceremonies on the Montclair State campus. Read about the Convocation ceremonies for the College of the Arts, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Mathematics, the College of Education and Human Services, the School of Business, and The Graduate School.