2,200 College Grads Earn Degrees From NJIT In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — More than 2,200 students recently earned bachelor’s degrees at the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s 2023 commencement ceremony, held at the Prudential Center in Newark.

During last week’s ceremony, students heard some words of encouragement from the keynote speaker, Kim Hanemann, the first woman to lead PSE&G – New Jersey’s largest utility provider. PSE&G provides internships for students and employs about 400 alumni from NJIT.

“Finding solutions will require new faces and perspectives and for us to reject the status quo,” said Hanemann, president and chief operating officer of PSE&G.

Hanemann encourages the new college graduates to embrace change and remain positive in the face of challenges ranging from climate change and social inequity to artificial intelligence

“I encourage you to stay hopeful and press on even when things seem scary,” Hanemann said. “What the world needs now is creative thinking and for the next generation of leaders — for all of you — to move forward with purpose.”

Meanwhile, Teik Lim – speaking at his first undergraduate commencement since becoming president of NJIT last year – encouraged members of the class to stop and savor the moment before they begin the next chapter in their lives.

“Embrace the opportunities that await and use your talents to pursue goals that will benefit others and improve our world,” he added.

The student speaker at undergraduate commencement, Mark Nashed, thanked his supportive parents and committed classmates for the “greatest four years I could have asked for.” For Nashed, it was a full four years: he became president of the Student Senate while earning a bachelor’s degree in biology as a member of the Albert Dorman Honors College.

“You have all sharpened me into the happy, grateful and lucky man that I am today,” he said.

The ceremony also recognized scholars who earned a grade point average of 4.0; faculty members; the most senior alum in attendance (Gerald Stolar ’47, MS ‘49); and students who had served in the military. In addition, NJIT bestowed honorary degrees upon Hanemann and alumni Martin Tuchman ’62 and Peter Cistaro ’68 for their achievements and support for the university.

This year’s undergraduate ceremony came three days after nearly 1,300 students earned master’s and doctorate degrees during three ceremonies at NJIT’s Wellness and Events Center.

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