2019 Graduate School Commencement
Graduates encouraged to make positive contributions to society to help solve issues
Posted in: University
Montclair State University conferred 644 doctoral and master’s degrees in science and mathematics, humanities and the social sciences, business, the arts and education to students who completed their degree requirements in May at its Graduate School Commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 21 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Montclair State University President Susan A. Cole presided over the exercises and Ralph Izzo, chairman and CEO of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) received an honorary Doctor of Science degree and delivered the Commencement address.
A respected leader in the utility industry and in public policy, Izzo joined PSE&G in 1992 and has held several executive positions within the PSEG family of companies en route to his current role, including his previous position as president and chief operating officer of PSE&G.
Izzo is chair of the Nuclear Energy Institute and serves on the board of directors for the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, the Edison Electric Institute, the Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. He is frequently asked to testify before Congress and often speaks to organizations on national energy policy.
In his address, Izzo congratulated the graduates, shared stories of his own background and experiences, and offered advice.
“While tonight’s ceremony celebrates your degree as a goal – a destination – it is, in fact, a launching pad to a lifetime of experiences,” Izzo told the graduates. “My wish for each of you is that, as you move forward, you keep yourselves open to new paths and unexpected challenges….Your hard-earned degrees are tools that will serve you along whatever path you choose to follow.”
The celebration was the second of two Commencement ceremonies for students of The Graduate School in 2019. The first, for those who completed their degree requirements between August 2018 and January 2019, was held on January 19 at NJPAC. Between the two ceremonies, the University conferred 1,312 doctoral and master’s degrees to members of the Class of 2019.
The 2019 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony will take place on May 24, at Prudential Center in Newark.
Congratulations Graduates!