HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Hackettstown resident Alexis d’Ambly graduated as the first-generation valedictorian of Centenary University’s Class of 2026 after earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average while majoring in writing.
d’Ambly, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Writing with a minor in English, delivered an address to graduating seniors during the university’s Student Leadership and Academic Awards Ceremony on April 29 before graduating May 16.
As a first-generation college student, d’Ambly said she faced uncertainty navigating the college application and financial aid process.
“As a first-gen student, I didn’t know what to expect in college,” d’Ambly explained. “As a kid, I was told that I had to go to college, but I didn’t really know where to start.”
Concerned about accumulating student debt, d’Ambly first attended Warren County Community College, where she earned an associate degree before transferring to Centenary University with a merit-based scholarship.
“After earning my associate degree, I chose Centenary because it’s local—I already knew that the university has a really good writing program,” she said. “There’s also a great campus community here. It’s the type of environment where I could really get involved.”
During her time at Centenary, d’Ambly became heavily involved in campus activities and student media.
She joined The Cyclone Chronicle, the university’s student newspaper, during her first semester and eventually rose from copy editor to managing editor before serving the past two years as editor-in-chief.
“Through the newspaper, I really found where I belong,” d’Ambly said. “It’s been a way to get involved with the campus community and helped me to become a better writer.”
She also worked as a peer writing tutor and participated in the university yearbook staff.
“All of these activities have helped to guide me into figuring out what I want to do next,” she said.
Following graduation, d’Ambly plans to continue her education at Seton Hall University, where she has been accepted into the school’s master’s program in English with a concentration in writing. She also will serve as a teaching assistant.
“At Seton Hall, I’ll be gaining classroom experience teaching first-year writing courses,” noted d’Ambly, who would also like to be an author someday.
“One of my Centenary professors was telling me that she gets such fantastic energy from her students as a creative writing professor,” she added. “That energy then inspires your own writing.”
d’Ambly said she hopes to help guide other first-generation students in the future, including younger members of her own family.
“I have younger siblings and cousins who have either already started college, or will be looking at colleges soon,” she said. “Now, I can answer their questions.”
“I’m so glad that I chose to stay closer to home and attend Centenary,” d’Ambly added. “Here, they provide a lot of support to first-gen students. This has been a fantastic experience.”
