Bloomfield College Graduates Class of 2016: Photos, Video

Bloomfield, NJ – With a beautiful, sunny day providing an apropos backdrop, Bloomfield College graduated nearly 290 new alumni during the college’s 143rd annual commencement ceremony on May 20.

U.S. Congressman Rodney P. Frelinghuysen received an honorary degree during the ceremony, which also included Chair of the Board of Trustees, William Turner III, President of the Alumni Association, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees John J. Delucca (Class of 1966), and Class of 2016 Valedictorian Portia Chimbirai.

According to a university news release, Chimbirai, an international transfer student from Southern Africa, came to America nearly five years ago to pursue her higher education. In 2014, after earning her associate degree in business from Bergen Community College, she transferred to Bloomfield College and earned her undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.

Chimbirai will continue her education at the college this fall, pursuing a master of science in accounting degree, school officials said.

“Bloomfield College has been to most of us, a second home,” said Chimbirai. “We have gained friends, and forged relationships and bonds that will last a lifetime… The fact that we are here today is a testament to all of our hard work and perseverance.”

Sign up for Patch NJ email newsletters here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photos and video courtesy of Bloomfield College