HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Centenary University awarded degrees to 373 graduates during its 151st commencement ceremonies Saturday, celebrating undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students on the university’s front lawn.
The university held two ceremonies, with bachelor’s and associate degree recipients honored during a morning commencement and master’s and doctoral graduates recognized later in the day.
During the ceremonies, Centenary University President John R. Schol reflected on the university’s history and praised the accomplishments of the graduating Class of 2026.
“Just a short distance from where we gather today, a group of Methodists came together in 1867 with a vision, to create a school that would prepare students for successful careers and successful lives. They called it Centenary,” Schol said. “I don’t believe even in their boldest dreams they could have imagined the remarkable Class of 2026 seated here before us on this front lawn today.”
Schol highlighted achievements by students in academics, athletics and professional programs, including the university’s first cohort of nursing students earning Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.
“Each and every one of our students makes us incredibly proud,” he said.
Philadelphia radio personality and Centenary graduate Cyndy Drue delivered the commencement address and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Drue, a 1975 graduate, has spent decades working in radio, television and film.
In her remarks, Drue encouraged graduates to pursue their passions and remain authentic.
“Since I’ve played rock music for decades on the radio, I’ve heard many wise lyrics,” Drue said. “My favorite set of words comes from a song that was performed at Woodstock. The song is called Wooden Ships. The lyrics say, ‘If you smile at me, I will understand. Because that is something everyone everywhere does in the same language.’ Let’s all keep smiling.”
Valedictorian Tanner Sullivan of Basking Ridge graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication: radio/television/film and a minor in professional writing. Sullivan earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and has worked with local radio stations WNTI and WRNJ while attending Centenary.
Addressing fellow graduates, Sullivan reflected on the future awaiting the Class of 2026.
“For all of us, it will be a different story,” Sullivan said. “Through our different majors, we’ve been able to accomplish so much, and learn more about these fields we’re so passionate about. Whether you majored in business, writing, or were more committed to athletics and extracurricular programs, one key factor is certain: Your passion and love for your medium is what really helps you to shine and stand out.”
The university also recognized several students with perfect 4.0 GPAs through the President’s Academic Excellence Award, including Alexis d’Ambly, Serafina R. Lopez, Emily Gorman, Greg Lake, Nicole Leonard, Jennifer Montiero and Boban Nedelkov.
In faculty honors, Assistant Professor of Counseling Alissandra Singher was named Distinguished Teacher of the Year, while Adjunct Professor Joseph Coco received the Joel K. Kobert Adjunct Teacher of the Year award.
During the graduate hooding ceremony, Carie Norcross-Murphy of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, received the university’s Alyce Hunter Dissertation Award after earning a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership.
