MAYS LANDING — The Atlantic Cape Community College Class of 2025 got a jump start on graduation during a day of camaraderie, celebration and entertainment at the annual Graduation Fair held May 1 at the Mays Landing campus Student Center.
Graduates picked up their cap and gowns and decorated their caps with personalized decorations; took formal and informal photographs in full graduation regalia and casual attire; met with various college departments to finalize graduation odds and ends; spoke with Alumni Association representatives about remaining in-touch with the college following graduation and with four-year universities such as Stockton and Rutgers about transfer opportunities; and enjoyed free food, snacks, desserts, beverages, live music and cake as well.
The highlight of the afternoon was the graduation toast as students raised glasses of sparkling cider to acknowledge their successes and accomplishments.
CRAIG MATTHEWS/Atlantic Cape Graduation FairStudent Government Association President Juwan Torres saluted his fellow classmates with an inspirational speech prior to leading the toast.
“Today, we gather not only to celebrate, but to witness a defining moment in our shared journey. This is a moment in time that rewrites the story of our lives. We each traveled different paths to get here, some smooth, some difficult, rough, full of twists and challenges. For a brief moment, they have been lit by the resilience, shaped by the late-night study sessions and driven by the quiet determination that pushed us beyond the limits that we didn't know we could exceed," Torres said. “Look around you. Every face carries a story. Chapters of sacrifice and triumph. I am overwhelmed with the honor and exhilaration of standing here and saying this with all my heart. We did it! We are graduating! But, this milestone isn't the end. It is a prologue to our next chapter. So, before we rush into tomorrow, let's raise a glass and honor today.
“The story is yet to be written on the class of 2025. May you carry the willpower to stay strong, the courage to embrace the unknown and the vision to carve your own path forward.”
Several students won raffle prizes, including a free graduation cap and gown package, gift baskets filled with Atlantic Cape swag and goodies, and gift certificates.
“It is absolutely remarkable and it's so great to celebrate each and every one of you because today it is all about you, each and every one of you, and how you've made it here today,” Atlantic Cape Foundation Advancement Officer Chris Mularz said. “And, in a couple weeks you are going be walking across the stage, flipping the tassel to the other side and becoming graduates of Atlantic Cape. I can't wait to celebrate that day with each and every one of you along with your family and friends.”
CRAIG MATTHEWS/Atlantic Cape Graduation FairThe event was sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Atlantic Cape Alumni Association.
The 58th annual Commencement ceremony will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 22, on the main campus Quad. Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Executive Director Eric Scheffler will deliver the keynote address.
Named to the post in April 2024 after serving two terms as Atlantic County Sheriff, Scheffler has made significant contributions to public safety and public health during his 28-year career in law enforcement.
