Morristown, N.J. (May 19, 2023) – More 2,000 graduates, faculty, alumni, honorees and other attendees gathered on the front lawn of Saint Elizabeth University as the institution awarded nearly 350 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees today. The 121st Commencement also marks the first time the time-honored celebration on campus in six years.

SEU President Gary B. Crosby, Ph.D., opened the ceremony with remarks of gratitude and recognition of the 154 graduate and 195 undergraduate students, 54% whom achieved honors designation.

“We begin this ceremony today with heartfelt gratitude for all that we have been given and for the hard work that has resulted in the milestone we celebrate today,” said Crosby. “The combined efforts of our devoted supporters.”

Crosby noted that Saint Elizabeth University was founded in 1899 by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth with a crystal-clear mission: to provide those with the greatest need access to higher education.

“We are here today because of the Sisters’ love, care and commitment to improving the quality of one’s life through education,” Crosby added.

In an address to the graduates, SEU Board of Trustees Chair Elizabeth M. Renyi reflected on the achievements of the past academic year, specifically noting:

• Welcoming 40 freshman from the city of Newark as part of the guaranteed education program;
• Opening of a robust Student Success Center in Mahoney Library that brings together all units to support student outcomes and resulting in University’s retention rate increased to 76% in one year;
• Ranking, for the 10th consecutive year, among the top online criminal justice master’s programs in the country by U.S. New & World Report;
• Entering into agreements with Alabama State University, Manhattan College and Dominican University of New York to create a pipeline into the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program.

“These are a few highlights of the past year and I hope you are as proud as I am,” Renyi added. “Today, most importantly is about your future…about the journey you are about to take…to discover new places and new opportunities as you make your world a better place.”

Commencement speaker Brian Bridges, Ph.D., Secretary of Higher Education for the State of New Jersey, reflected on the “transformative impact education has had on my life”, particularly as a first-generation college student himself.

In his address, Bridges challenged graduates to “chart your own path with courage and integrity, always approach life with curiosity and push yourself to move forward and upward even when you are doing well.”

Bridges also charged the audience to “remember that your education is not just a privilege, but a charge of responsibility. You are graduating from an institution that has prepared you to make meaningful contributions to your communities, your state, and your world.”

Kodi Peters, ‘23, who received his Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management & Marketing, as well as Meredith Palmer, ‘23, who earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, spoke on behalf of students.

“I decided to come to SEU for two main reasons, the honors program and to play volleyball. But now that I’m leaving, I realize there are so many other things for which I came here,” Peters said. “Remember that our experiences are what shape us into unique individuals. Every moment, interaction, success and failure helped mold us into the people we are today.”

In her remarks, graduate speaker Palmer challenged her fellow graduates to determine what kind of leader they will be.

“When thinking of this response, know that Saint Elizabeth nurtured, taught, and provided the foundational elements of the leaders that brought about monumental change,” said Palmer. “Change empowers us to stand up for the injustices and critical issues that impede forward movement in our communities, our country, and today's world.”

Kathleen Karkos, '81, inducted the graduates into the Alumnae/i Association.

In his concluding remarks, Crosby spoke on behalf of the SEU community charging the graduates to “soar high above the rest and change the world while doing so.”