NJ Man, 71, Gets Ready To Graduate From Atlantic Cape

MAYS LANDING, NJ — Atlantic Cape Community College’s Center for Student Success honored students from a range of backgrounds during its annual Graduate Awards ceremony on May 1 at the Walter E. Edge Theater on the Mays Landing campus.

The ceremony recognized academic achievement among traditional and non-traditional students. Among those honored was 71-year-old Atlantic City resident Leon Kerrison, a rising General Studies graduate who received a Counselor’s Award for academic achievement.

Kerrison said his path to college began with encouragement from his pastor after he moved to New Jersey.

“My pastor really encouraged me to go to college. I went to the campus in Atlantic City, I signed up and I got in. You know, at times it was rough, but I didn't worry about that. Sometimes I didn't do good, but I said in my heart I just want to keep going. I knew I was going to make it in the end. So, this day right here, I can look back and say I've done it,” said Kerrison.

Originally from Mullins, South Carolina, Kerrison spent years working a range of jobs, including at a drugstore, in restaurants and most recently at the former Revel Casino Resort in Atlantic City until it closed in 2014. Atlantic Cape said that while completing his studies, Kerrison used the college’s Student Support Services and Educational Opportunity Fund programs. He also said he never missed one day of class.

Kerrison said he plans to continue his education after graduation.

“Right now, I'm trying to find a seasonal job because I am going to Stockton University in the fall for business finance,” said Kerrison.

This year’s CSS awards began with 46 graduating students receiving a certificate marking their academic achievements. Many of those students also presented an Extra Miler Award to a faculty or staff member who helped them during their time at Atlantic Cape. Overall, nearly 260 students were recognized for their success as CSS-eligible students, according to the college.

Student speaker Alexander Barr, a rising graduate who will receive an associate degree in Media Studies, spoke about how Atlantic Cape shaped his time at the school.

“I didn't walk into Atlantic Cape the person you see standing here. I walked in uncertain and unsure. I like to think that I arrived here as a caterpillar, and somewhere along the way, through the people I met, the challenges I faced and the support that I received, I was given the space to grow, struggle and change,” said Barr.

Barr is president of the Esports and Media clubs and a member of the Chi Alpha Epsilon and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies.

Looking ahead to commencement, he told fellow students, “In a few weeks, we don't just get to walk across that graduation stage, we get to fly across it. Atlantic Cape has been a beautiful garden and every one of us started as a seed. The people here from our professors and mentors to our support teams have been the gardeners. They have watered us and believed in us. They made sure we had what we needed to grow.”