RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – County College of Morris (CCM) Thursday held its 55th Commencement at Mennen Arena in celebration of the Class of 2024, consisting of about 1,000 graduates.
Dressed in traditional academic regalia, Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, CCM president, proudly welcomed all in attendance and exclaimed to the graduates, “This is a day that has been years in the making.”
He reminded the crowd that everyone has something to give, and the graduates are well-prepared to help others.
“You will likely be amazed throughout your life just how far your CCM education will take you,” said Iacono. “But you will be amazed at how powerful it is when you use it for an impact greater than your self-benefit.”
Iacono gave the following celebratory remarks about several outstanding graduates.
CCM’s Student Government Association (SGA) President Andrew Frederick, of Morristown and Vice President Heather Schaab, of Succasunna, accompanied Iacono and other administrators to Washington D.C. and Trenton to advocate in Congress and in the statehouse. Both Frederick and Schaab plan to continue their college education at American University and Rider University, respectively.
Frederick admitted his journey at CCM began right after graduating from the Morris School District. “Unsure of where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” said Frederick, “I began taking courses and realized that coming here was the best decision I have ever made.”
Hamza Alvi, of Rockaway, earned his CCM degree in mathematics and honored his parents’ goal of securing a better life. “The road to the American dream is paved with a great education and the willingness to work hard,” said Iacono. “You, my friend, are on the right path! Good luck at Rutgers. Their honors program is lucky to have you as one of their students.”
First-generation college graduate Ryan Carter, of Brookside, earned his CCM degree in International Studies and was the recipient of the 2024 Sherman and Dorothy Masten Memorial Scholarship. Carter always strived to achieve academic excellence and aspires to become a diplomat for the U.S. Department of State upon completing his studies at American University.
CCM performing arts students Owen Gaitley, of Belvidere, and Lydia Girardy, of Long Valley plan to transfer to Montclair State University, Alyssa Correa, of Dover, has yet to decide between Montclair or NYU, and Julia Bachman, of Morris Plains, has excitement about studying at Savannah College of Art and Design in the Fall.
“The level of their talent is remarkable and through their art, they have given us the opportunity to understand ourselves and the human spirit better,” said Iacono. “Your impact on our school is indelible and it has been nothing less than a great pleasure to have worked with you.”
Past SGA President Abby Rodriguez, of Flanders, established Motivational Mondays on campus. Iacono said, “Caring for others is one of the greatest qualities one human being can show another. It is the essence of humanity.” He thanked Rodriquez for strengthening CCM and wished her luck at Montclair.
Music recording student Carlos Vazquez finally realized his dream of earning a degree, after a long and difficult journey that began in 2019. In his first three semesters, he earned A’s while also working full-time to take care of his family. A victim of the Pandemic, he contracted the COVID virus as did his brother who was staying with him while battling cancer.
“Sadly, his brother did not survive, and Carlos’s educational journey was put on pause,” said Iacono, “but he did not give up on his dream, and his professors did not give up on him. They called him, encouraged him, and pulled him back into the program recognizing that his talent was too great not to be realized…. I know you will continue to thrive at Montclair.”
Colleen Hare, of Long Valley, has been ready to enroll at Fairleigh Dickinson University, to become a teacher of history. Throughout the program, Iacono continued the accolades and acknowledged many of CCM’s extraordinary faculty for their dedication and for being an inspiration.
Congratulations were given to Professor Marielaine Mammon, chairperson of the Music, Performing Arts and Music Technologies Department, honored this year by the American Association of Community Colleges as one of the nation’s most outstanding professors and recipient of the prestigious Dale Parnell Award.
A round of applause was also given to physics professor John Klages, of the School of Business, Mathematics, Engineering & Technologies, who is retiring from CCM after more than 40 years of teaching and influencing thousands of students.
Executive Vice President of Business & Finance Karen VanDerhoof, welcomed CCM’s Board of Trustees Chair George J. Milonas ’98, alumnus of the college.
“Not long ago, I sat in your seat at CCM thinking about my own future and what it would hold,” said Milonas. “CCM gave me a great start to my career in public and private sectors and I know it will deliver the same for you….follow your passion, stay curious, approach whatever work you will do with care, commitment, and responsibility, lead with heart and humility, be adaptable, and of course include others – help others along the way.”
County Commissioner Director Christine Meyers spoke of her college experience and unintentional pathway to leadership. She advised the graduates, “You may never know what you’re supposed to do, but you will learn who you are supposed to be just by working hard, doing your best and serving others. Continue learning, guard your mind and your time from all the noise in today’s world, and while on your road to your destination, live a life that is worth living.”
While the CCM Chamber Choir entertained the audience with song and praise, George Muha ’96, took the stage to deliver the Commencement Address. A successful business leader and visionary with 18 years of entrepreneurial experience, George Muha is the founder, president, and owner of Big State Sports, a local, grassroots media company providing network quality coverage of high school sports across New Jersey.
He recalled that CCM changed the trajectory of his life. As a student, Muha discovered he had a writing voice and thanked Professor Emeritus Sander Zulauf and his creative writing classes. While attending CCM and working full-time, he eventually brought this work ethic and fortitude to his first job upon graduation, in sales. His experiences led him to a career shift to that in communications, including writing, broadcasting and production, and now with Big State Sports, taking creative risks to lead on social media and through video content.
“Today we get over 5 million views a week, we televise over 1,000 games a year across the state of New Jersey, we employ over 100 people, and we are the exclusive broadcaster of some really cool high-profile things like the Phil Simms North South All Star Classic. In fact, we broadcast more games than CBS, NBC, ABC and ESPN combined,” said Muha.
His company has a unique partnership with CCM and resides on campus in the Media Center. They work closely with the faculty and engineers to give students real-world experience. “Many have gone on to careers with companies like ESPN, the NFL, Major League Soccer, and many other major networks,” said Muha.
He focused his message to the graduates on three things – first, to be proud of their accomplishments as they join the ranks with fellow alumni. Second, “you have to do internships. You have no choice.” Lastly, be generous. “I would never have been able to accomplish anything without the support of others along the way,” said Muha, “and I’ve found it’s so rewarding to help someone else succeed.”
CCM Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, Kelly Meola, welcomed the new alumni and encouraged the class to continue changing lives and strengthening their community.
CCM Professor of Art & Humanities Nadir Kaddour honorably served as Grand Marshal, leading the opening procession while carrying the symbolic mace to Pomp and Circumstance and then leading the recession of graduates to hugs and tears of joy from faculty, staff, family, friends and Titus, CCM’s spirited mascot.
