Caldwell University celebrates 76th annual commencement with record-breaking number of graduates

Students are encouraged to be “amazing”

Caldwell, N.J., May 20, 2018 – Caldwell University celebrated its 76th annual commencement May 20 with a record-breaking number of graduates. The university  awarded 502 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

Danielle Hamblin of White Township, New Jersey, delivered the student address at the graduate commencement ceremony encouraging her fellow graduates to “be amazing.” Drawing on the words of a motivational speaker she once heard, she gave the graduates three simple points they need to be successful in life’s journey and to be “the greatest husband, wife, mother, father, boss, employee ever.”

“Number one, wake up; number two, be amazing; number three, go to bed,”  she said. It is obvious how to fulfill numbers one and three, said Hamblin, but number two is personal. “It is up to each individual to define what being amazing is. Can you imagine if we all did?”

Hamblin received a doctoral degree in educational leadership with a special education concentration. Reflecting on her experience in the doctoral program with students in the cohort, she said, “Caldwell provided us with mental challenges but not without the support of collegial partnership. I felt amazing when I knew I had contributed in meaningful ways to helping others on this journey.” Hamblin teaches as an adjunct on the college level and is director of special services for the Sparta public schools.

Dennis Brady of West Orange, New Jersey delivered the student address at the undergraduate commencement ceremony. “The close-knit family that we have grown into over these four years was something that none of us could have anticipated. Those bonds we will cherish forever—the sporting events we attended, the community service trips we went on, it all happened here on 120 Bloomfield Avenue,” said Brady. “We are now sent out to find our way in this world with the knowledge, and more importantly, the values of Caldwell that are instilled in us from the day we walked onto the campus.” He encouraged the graduates never to stray too far away from their Caldwell family. “As a respected doctor and philosopher, Dr. Seuss, once said, ‘Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened,’” said Brady.  He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Media Studies with a minor in business administration.

President Nancy H. Blattner, Ph.D., presented doctoral students with their Ph.D.’s and Ed.D.’s, graduate students with their Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration or Master of Science degrees, and undergraduates with their Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.

Blattner asked the students to stay connected to their alma mater. “Return to this campus that has been your home for the past few years, and carry with you our core values of respect, integrity, community and excellence into your communities and workplaces.”

Graduates wore 100% recycled caps, gowns and tassels.