Georgian Court Graduates Told to "Show Up" and Believe in "Miracles"

Georgian Court University Awards Degrees to 525 Undergrad, Grads in Class of 2014

Lakewood, N.J., May 23, 2014—Writer, peace-building expert and Catholic University professor Maryann Cusimano Love, Ph.D., challenged the Class of 2014 at Georgian Court University Thursday to believe in a “world of miracles,” beginning with the life-changing miracle of earning a college degree.

It was a message that was most appropriate for students like Howell resident Michael Marinaro, 21, who wrapped up his biochemistry degree in just three years and is ready to go to work.

"I definitely believe college has prepared me for the real world," said Michael, who has conducted research alongside his faculty mentors, Dr. Prasad Lakkaraju and Dr. Eduard Bitto at GCU.  "I finished my B.S. in Biochemistry in only three years as opposed to the normal four years. I worked very hard taking jump-start courses in high school as well as taking classes every summer. I had many advisors tell me that this was not possible and was going to be a great challenge; however, I did do it!

He joined more than 300 of his undergraduate peers as the heard from Dr. Cusimano Love, who brings new perspective to matters of war and peace.
 
“Georgian Court has been that miracle for many of you,” she said.“This miracle of education was transformative for me and will be for you…I have been blessed to meet and work with secretaries of state and defense, popes and bishops. My children's books have been New York Times bestsellers. But all that started at a place very much like this one, on a day like today.”
 
About 1,600 people—some of whom traveled from as far away as England, Arizona and Texas—packed Georgian Court’s Wellness Center while others watched streaming video of the ceremony on their laptops and smartphones. Just days earlier, other supporters attended the traditional pinning ceremony for 27 students in the GCU-Meridian Health School of Nursing who earned their four-year B.S.N. degrees.
 
Dr. Cusimano Love, a tenured associate professor of international relations who also leads courses in peace and security at the Pentagon, received an honorary doctorate degree from GCU President Rosemary E. Jeffries, RSM, Ph.D. The university also recognized commercial real estate investor, professional sports executive and YES Network co-founder Finn Wentworth with an honorary degree.
 
‘Decide to Show Up’
 
The undergraduate celebration came one day after GCU’s Wednesday, May 21 ceremony for master’s students. More than 200 graduate degrees were awarded in fields such as applied behavior analysis, biology, mathematics, theology, clinical mental health counseling, education, and business administration.
 
The wide range of recipients included a husband-wife duo—Tom Trotta teaches in Toms River and wife Sarah Trotta in Little Egg Harbor—who met in graduate school and married in early May, as well Vermont storeowner Linda Wooliever who came to collect her M.A. in Holistic Health Studies, which she earned completely online.
 
New Jersey’s chief academic officer, Tracey Severns, Ed.D., used her work as a successful teacher and turnaround principal to offer the graduating class a few lessons worth sharing.
 
“If there is one thing I have learned as an educator, and in my work with thousands of educators across this great state, is that many enter the field wanting to make a difference, and the degree to which they actually do depends on two things,” she said. “And they are deceptively simple: The way that you choose to see the world and whether you decide to show up.”
 
“It's about being emotionally available and spiritually accessible," said Dr. Severns, who was recognized with an honorary degree from GCU. "It's about bringing all of who you are and everything you have to offer, and giving that freely and completely in the service of others—to those who say they need you and to those who say they don't.”
 
GCU’s President Jeffries also bestowed an honorary doctorate on Toms River Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher for showing up—from his many years spent as a prosecutor to the countless hours he has invested to help rebuild businesses and residences following Superstorm Sandy.
 
“He has lived his life embracing the Sisters of Mercy’s core values, especially when you consider his service to the public over the last 50 years,” said retired New Jersey Superior Court Judge Eugene Serptentelli, who introduced him.

Cause for Celebration
 
In addition the awarding a total of 313 degrees, the commencement ceremony included other highlights (photos are available):
 
Student speakers Rose Zollner (MBA, Toms River) and Caitlin Murphy (B.S., Business; Trenton) addressed their peers at each ceremony. Ms. Zollner, who works in finance, reminded them to “make the impossible, possible.” Ms. Murphy, who just accepted a fulltime job at BillTrust in Hamilton, advised: “In all that you do, please remember to believe in yourself. Be you. It is with authenticity that you will conquer any obstacle in your path.”
 
The Virginia Graham ’31 Award for Teaching Excellence was presented to Barbara Cordasco, Ed.D., co-chair of GCU teacher education program an expert in movement and learning, and assistive technology in the classroom.
 
Social work major Kristen Cladek (Jackson, NJ) received the 2014 Academic Achievement award. Kristen, who graduated with a 3.97 GPA heads to Fordham University this fall to earn a master’s degree and one day hopes to work with children who have special needs.
 
Award-winning track and field athlete Isalin Howard (East Orange, NJ) received the Julia Blake Award, which recognizes a student for loyalty and service. Ms. Howard, who spent last summer studying at John Cabot University in Rome, led the GCU Lions’ Make-a-Wish campaign in December 2013 and tripled the amount of money previously raised to more than $6,000. She looks forward to pursuing an M.B.A. in the fall.
 
History and Education major Samantha McGreevy (Brick, NJ), who studied at John Cabot University, received the Kingdon Gould Award, which is presented to the senior who, in classmates’ opinions, contributed the most to the welfare of GCU.
 
 
Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is a comprehensive, coeducational university with a strong liberal arts core and an historic, special concern for women. A forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, Georgian Court serves more than 2,200 students of all faiths and backgrounds in both undergraduate and graduate programs. The main campus is located at 900 Lakewood Avenue, Lakewood, N.J., on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court also serves students at New Jersey Coastal Communiversity in Wall and through multiple online certificate and degree programs.