The College of New Jersey recently held its 169th commencement ceremonies on May 22-23, 2025. The event marked the end of the academic journey for the Class of 2025, which included 1,728 undergraduate and 327 graduate students. Among them were 244 cum laude graduates, 240 magna cum laude graduates, and 183 summa cum laude graduates.
TCNJ President Michael A. Bernstein led the ceremonies, commending the class for their resilience and dedication amid various challenges. “You faced many challenges — navigating the lingering impacts of the pandemic, coping with uncertainties, and managing personal and academic responsibilities in an ever-changing world,” he stated. “Through it all, you remained steadfast in your mission: to fulfill your aspirations as students, complete your studies and training, prepare for your futures, and remain true to the values and support of those who believed in you.”
Andrea Welker, dean of TCNJ’s School of Engineering, also acknowledged the achievements of the graduating class. She urged them to reflect on their accomplishments and express gratitude towards those who supported them. “Your hard work, dedication, and countless hours of studying have brought you to this moment,” she said. “I hope you take a moment to reflect on how far you have come…and never hesitate to thank someone who has helped you or made your day better.”
During the School of the Arts and Communication ceremony, Nathaniel Johnson ’25 shared his experiences as a first-generation college student. He recounted overcoming obstacles with support from peers and mentors. “Those late nights didn’t feel so bad since I was surrounded by people to assist me,” he reflected.
Recordings of all eight commencement ceremonies are available on TCNJ’s official Commencement website. Additionally, a photo gallery can be viewed on TCNJ’s Facebook page.
