Saint Peter’s College awarded degrees to 885 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels at its 115th commencement exercises on Sunday, May 21 at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ. Thirty-eight students received graduate and undergraduate individual awards during the ceremony.
Class of 2006 Valedictorian Jennifer K. Gillen of Hazlet, NJ delivered the student commencement address. Gillen, a Biology major, will attend medical school in the fall. Throughout her academic career, she earned numerous awards.
Gillen discussed the importance of a Jesuit education.
“At Saint Peter’s College, successful education means not only gaining proficiency of the subject matter but understanding that knowledge is only as good as how it is used. I believe Madame Curie put it best when she said, ‘Each of us must work toward his own highest development, accepting at the same time his share of the responsibility in the general life of humanity.’ We have learned not only how to do well, but also how to do good,” said Gillen.
Broadway and film actor Philip Bosco was this year’s commencement speaker and received an honorary degree. The Jersey City native has received several awards throughout a long and distinguished career spanning more than 40 years on the stage. He won the Tony Award in 1989 for Best Actor in a Play for Lend Me a Tenor.
Bosco urged the Class of 2006 to focus on their passions and interests in their personal and professional lives.
“First, and, above all, whatever career path you follow, do what is in your heart, instead of going for the quick buck,” said Bosco. “The truth is there is great intrinsic value in maintaining your integrity and making professional choices that comport with your true interests and passions.”
The other three honorary degree recipients included: Father James F. Keenan, S.J., M. Wilma Harris and David Randolph.
Father Keenan has served as President of Saint Peter’s Prep since 1994. His 12-year term will end in June. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Father Keenan’s entering the Society of Jesus.
M. Wilma Harris is the past chair and current member of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. HESAA provides students and their families with financial and resource information about opportunities in higher education.
David Randolph has been the conductor of The Saint Cecilia Chorus and Orchestra since 1965. The Chorus has contributed to the musical life of New York City for over a century.