MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — County College of Morris celebrated the achievements of nearly 1,100 graduates during its 57th Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 21, at the William G. Mennen Sports Arena.
The ceremony honored students receiving associate degrees and certificates of achievement while emphasizing resilience, leadership and lifelong learning as graduates prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
Commencement keynote speaker Paul Di Maio, president and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut, encouraged graduates to persevere through challenges and setbacks.
“Your degree today proves you have the talent; your time here at CCM has proven you have the endurance,” said Di Maio. “Your completion of the rigors of these studies prove you have the grit.”
Di Maio focused his remarks on personal growth, momentum and leadership, encouraging students not to fear failure.
“We either succeed or we learn,” said Di Maio. “To be successful in life, you only have to get up one more time than you’ve been knocked down.”
Addressing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and the future workforce, Di Maio emphasized the value of human leadership and empathy.
“AI can calculate, but it cannot lead. It can provide an answer, but it cannot provide the judgment, the empathy or the soul that you bring to the table.”
CCM President Dr. Anthony J. Iacono congratulated graduates and reflected on the role community colleges play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.
He described CCM as “a uniquely American institution that exists to change lives and strengthen communities” and highlighted the diversity of students served by community colleges nationwide.
“Our more than 50,000 alums stand out for excellence in their professions,” said Iacono.
Iacono also recognized several graduates for their achievements and personal stories of perseverance.
Among them was Sebastian Perez Brid of Wharton, who served as president of the Association of Business Graduates, Business Society and CCM Film Society. He plans to continue studying business at Montclair State University and will serve as CCM’s next Alumni Trustee.
Christina Alvarado of Dover balanced full-time work, family caregiving and her criminal justice studies while volunteering in the community and teaching American Sign Language. She will continue her education at Rutgers University.
Emily Piser of Budd Lake, a U.S. Army veteran who served during Operation Inherent Resolve, earned a degree in Business Administration and plans to continue her education at Centenary University.
Nicholas Schreiber of Wharton, a nationally ranked athlete turned entrepreneur, earned Dean’s List honors and membership in Phi Theta Kappa honor society after building a successful real estate business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dave Joseph of Roselle earned a degree in Exercise Science and helped lead CCM’s men’s basketball team to the 2024 District Championship. He plans to continue his studies at Kean University.
A.J. Sweeney of Flanders graduated with a degree in Liberal Arts and plans to pursue a career counseling underserved youth.
Iacono also presented Claire Whipple of Bloomfield with the 2026 Sherman and Dorothy Masten Memorial Scholarship. Whipple graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Science and Mathematics: Biology.
The ceremony also marked a milestone for CCM’s Early College Program in partnership with the Morris County Vocational School District, as the first cohort of students simultaneously earned both high school diplomas and college degrees.
Retired professor John Klages was granted Faculty Emeritus status, recognizing his decades of service to the college since 1975.
Hannah Mescavage of Belvedere, who served as president of CCM’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, addressed the graduating class.
“All of these experiences have one thing in common; they are memories that only we get to share, and that’s what makes CCM feel more like a home than just a campus,” said Mescavage.
She encouraged fellow graduates to “always strive for excellence, don’t be afraid to get involved and never give up.”
CCM Board of Trustees Chair Paul Licitra, a U.S. Army veteran, also addressed graduates.
“Take your knowledge and skills into the world, but take your humanity too. Be curious. Listen deeply. Build bridges wherever you can,” said Licitra.
Morris County Board of County Commissioners Director Stephen H. Shaw closed the ceremony with remarks focused on education, leadership and the importance of human connection in an increasingly technology-driven world.
