Over 900 Graduate in the 53rd Commencement Ceremonies
(PATERSON NJ) Over 900 students from all four campuses of Passaic County Community College (PCCC) received their associate’s degrees and career certificates in the College’s 53rd Annual Commencement ceremonies on May 21 and May 22, at PCCC’s Main Campus in historic downtown Paterson.
The PCCC Class of 2025 includes, for the first time, five co-valedictorians, all of whom achieved a perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA). In another first, over 20 graduates from the Early College initiative received an associate degree from PCCC and, at the same time, their high school diploma from Paterson Public Schools, Passaic Prep Academy, and Clifton High School.
In attendance were members of the PCCC Board of Trustees, the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, and the mayor of Paterson, the Honorable Andre Sayegh, who is also a member of the College’s adjunct faculty.
Against a dramatic backdrop of flags representing the birth nations of Class of 2025, Dr. Steven Rose, president of PCCC, welcomed everyone present for the ceremonies in the College gymnasium and all the friends and families of the graduates who joined from around world through the livestream.
“You made it,” said Dr. Rose to the graduates, eliciting applause and cheers. The theme of the 53rd Commencement, “Opening the Door to Opportunity,” was acknowledged over and over throughout the ceremonies by the valedictorians and distinguished guest speakers.
Tahesha L. Way, Esq., New Jersey Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State delivered an inspiring and challenging keynote address at the May 22 ceremony.
Lieutenant Governor Delivers Keynote Address
Highlighting Commencement 2025 was the inspiring and impactful keynote address delivered at the May 22 ceremony by Tahesha L. Way, Esq., New Jersey Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State. It was a homecoming of sorts for Ms. Way, who previously served on the Passaic County Board of Freeholders (now called Commissioners) and has maintained a close relationship with PCCC.
“It is always so heartwarming for me to speak in my own home county of Passaic, especially when we can celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates,” said Ms. Way. Commenting on the “great diversity” of the Class of 2025, Ms. Way continued, “You go out into the world with knowledge…and your faces are shining with a sense of pride.”
Warm and relatable, the mother of four remarked that watching her daughters cross the stage at their own graduation ceremonies was “among the proudest moments of my life,” and she called for a round of applause for the parents and family members who supported the graduates to this pivotal moment in their lives.
Ms. Way noted that PCCC has given the graduates the tools to go out and change the world. “It has opened the door to the opportunity to be able to live a life of meaning. So, as you step into the future, may you lead with integrity, find joy in the journey, believe in your own potential, and strive for a world that is fair and just for all.”
Valedictory Remarks and Student Leader Address
Four of the co-valedictorians also delivered messages of empowerment and appreciation for their PCCC experience.
Stefan Shapllo, a first-generation college graduate, thanked the faculty and commended his fellow graduates for their achievement, acknowledging that PCCC “primed us for industry and further education and will continue to serve us as our foundation for future success.”
Rashel Medina Lantigua is one of the first group of Achieve 30 graduates, high school students who earned college credits during their senior year of high school before moving on to the College. Rashel discovered that “PCCC is not merely a college but a supportive community…” and “college is not just about getting a degree; it’s about leveraging our knowledge to contribute back to our communities and uplift underserved areas like our own.”
Jade Cetrulo shared that as a transgender student diagnosed with ADHD, she initially did not think she would fit into a typical college environment, but she felt “warmly embraced” by the PCCC community where “my incredible professors and fellow students have always been there to motivate me and offer help when I needed it.”
Analisa Prowse, who will continue her education at Princeton University, struggled throughout her earlier school years as a result of her autism, but had a transformative experience at PCCC.
“I learned to think critically and…I had a sense of belonging here.” She urged her fellow graduates, “Don’t just be the change you want to see in the world but fight for that change and keep fighting until you bring your dreams into existence.”
Student speaker Tiffany Guerrero, president of the Student Government Association, spoke about her experience as a student leader at PCCC. She admitted, “When I stepped into this role, I didn’t truly realize the weight of leadership…Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. Be patient with yourself. Not everything has to be perfect right now. Not every goal has to be reached today.”
Distinguished Guest Speakers
Representing the PCCC Board of Trustees, Chairman Dennis F. Marco reflected on the Commencement theme, Opening the Door to Opportunity, telling the graduates “This is exactly what you have done, based on your successful completion of your college associate degrees or certificates.” Trustee and Vice-Chair Barbara Tanis commented to the graduates, “As trustees our mission is to help open doors of opportunity. You took the important step of walking through those doors and will determine what comes next.”
In greetings from the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners, Orlando Cruz remarked, “Passaic County Community College represents the best of what education should be: accessible, empowering, and deeply rooted in the fabric of our diverse community.” He urged the graduates to “use what you learned here to not only improve your own life but also to uplift others.
Dr. Aaron Fichtner, president of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges advised the graduates to “never forget the first step you took here at PCCC. You are well prepared to take many more first steps in your lives and careers…to achieve great things, to help make this community, this county, this state, this country a better place for all of us together.”
Mayor Sayegh joked that he turned down an opportunity to attend a pro-basketball game in order to attend the PCCC Commencement “because I want to be where the real winners are.”
The President’s Charge
After degrees were awarded and tassels turned, Dr. Rose delivered the formal Charge to the Class of 2025, remarking that becoming a college graduate changes your life. “It gives you a new superpower. As college grads you have rights and privileges, but also responsibilities.”
He urged the graduates to “step up” and make their voices heard by voting, running for public office, becoming faculty members one day, or taking other action to improve society.
Acknowledging that the Class of 2025 worked hard to graduate, Dr. Rose added, “If you put that same energy into whatever you do – career, family, more education – you’re going to do great things. We are so proud of you. Congratulations, Class of 2025.”
Publicity Contact – Linda Telesco; [email protected] | 973-684-6603
Photos: John O’Boyle Photography
About PCCC – For more than 50 years, Passaic County Community College (PCCC) has provided to County residents academic programs that are high- quality, flexible, affordable, and responsive to market needs. PCCC maintains four campus locations throughout the County with a Main Campus in historic downtown Paterson and locations in Wanaque, Passaic, and Wayne, home to our Public Safety training facilities. Named both an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), PCCC has also been honored as an Achieving the Dream (ATD) leader college. Learn more at pccc.edu
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