Gurbir Grewal To Montclair State Graduates: ‘Enjoy The Journey’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Enjoy the journey of life… but try to help others along the way. That was the message from New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal when he spoke at Montclair State University’s Graduate School 2020 commencement ceremony.

Addressing a crowd of 665 doctoral and master’s degree recipients at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, Grewal gratefully accepted an honorary doctor of laws degree.

“Try to enjoy the journey and know that you will find your calling,” said Grewal, who was confirmed as New Jersey’s 61st Attorney General in 2018. “But along the way … I ask that you always look to find ways to make that journey easier for others.”

Grewal, who attended West Essex High School in North Caldwell, previously served as the Bergen County prosecutor. From 2010-2016, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for New Jersey. Before becoming a New Jersey federal prosecutor, Grewal served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the state of New York from 2004-2007 after a period in private practice.

He graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science in foreign service from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in 1995, and obtained his law degree from the College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law in 1999.

“Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has been an advocate for the less fortunate, a champion of the rule of law, and a principled defender of the American ideals of liberty and justice for all,” Montclair State University President Susan Cole said. “As a New Jersey native and the son of immigrant parents, Attorney General Grewal is an outstanding role model for our students. His career illustrates what can be accomplished with a good education and a determination to do constructive work in the world.”

Grewal returned the praise, saying that MSU “reflects the diversity and dynamism of this great state.”

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