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Centenary University to hold commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2023

Internationally renowned expert on happiness studies Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., will address the graduates at the University’s 148th commencement on May 6.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) – Centenary University will hold its 148th commencement in a series of outdoor ceremonies to celebrate the Class of 2023.

Three in-person ceremonies are scheduled on campus:

  • Wednesday, May 3, 6:00 p.m.—Hooding ceremony and commencement for master and doctoral students
  • Saturday, May 6, 9:00 a.m.—Bachelor of Science and Associate of Science degree recipients
  • Saturday, May 6, 1:00 p.m.—Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, and Associate of Arts degree recipients

Valedictorian of the Class of 2023 is Skyle Verry of South Bound Brook, who will deliver the valedictory address at both May 6 undergraduate commencement ceremonies. Verry will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Management and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, as well as a minor in law and government.

Jessica L. Garcia Torres of Dover, who earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership: Special Education Certification, will be recognized with the University’s prestigious Alyce Hunter Dissertation Award at the May 3 hooding ceremony/commencement for master’s and doctoral graduates.

In addition, the University has presented Gregory Somjen of Succasunna with the Red Knot Award, which acknowledges the graduating transfer student with the highest grade point average. Somjen will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.

Internationally renowned expert on happiness studies Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., will deliver the commencement address. Co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy, he is director of Centenary University’s Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, the world’s first advanced degree in the field. He achieved national recognition two decades ago when he taught one of Harvard University’s most popular classes, on happiness. Since then, he has also taught at Columbia University, written several best-selling books on the subject, and appeared on major media as a happiness studies expert including The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, CNN, the BBC, and Today on NBC. He was recently featured in a special Time section unpacking the secrets of achieving happiness in daily life.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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