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Brookdale Community College proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026, honoring a graduating class defined by academic excellence, global engagement, and a deep commitment to service.
This year, 1,566 students earned degrees, marking a significant milestone not only for the graduates but for the communities they represent. Among them were 46 students who achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA, underscoring the academic rigor and dedication that define a Brookdale education.
Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone reinforced the County’s commitment to education, noting, “The one thing that’s never sacrificed—ever—is our education.”
“This day recognizes not only your achievement, but your perseverance. Perseverance got you to where you are right now and can move you ahead to accomplish every dream you can ever dream of,” said Board of Trustees Chair Barbara Horl.
“The Class of 2026 represents the very best of Brookdale—resilient, driven, and deeply committed to making a difference. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and confident in the impact they will have in the communities they serve,” said President David M. Stout, Ph.D.
The Class of 2026 distinguished itself across multiple areas of achievement, earning 258 academic honors and recognition through prestigious honor societies, including Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Among the College’s highest-achieving students, Adam Deinhardt, one of this year’s Outstanding Student Award recipients, has been accepted to Columbia University and will continue his education there this fall. He joins fellow graduate Anthony Alvarez, who will attend Cornell University, marking a powerful milestone for Brookdale with two graduates advancing to Ivy League institutions.
“Brookdale… proved to us that we are capable, that we are prepared, and that we can go further than we ever imagined,” said Alvarez in his opening remarks to the Class of 2026.
Additional Outstanding Student Award honorees included Nyasha Medina, Vivinia Nieves, Audrey Phillips, Kate Feeney, Aparajita Sahoo, and Yelena Gavrilovic, each recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, and resilience.
Brookdale’s global reach was also on full display. Forty students studied abroad in countries such as Italy, Ireland, and the Netherlands, while the graduating class included 35 international students representing 23 countries, reflecting the College’s diverse and connected community.
Student achievement extended beyond the classroom. Eight graduates completed NASA internships, and students contributed thousands of volunteer hours to organizations across the region, including Fulfill, Lunch Break, Clean Ocean Action, and the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County, demonstrating a strong commitment to service and community impact.
Reflecting on the shared experience of the graduating class, student speaker Jocelyn Fajardo captured the moment simply: “We made it, despite everything that tried to stand in our way.”
The ceremony also featured remarks from honorary degree recipient actress Siobhan Fallon Hogan, who encouraged graduates to embrace their moment and move forward with confidence.
“Today, you are the stars of the show,” she said. “Step into your role with courage, because your story is just beginning.”
Brookdale also awarded an honorary degree to William Salcedo, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey, in recognition of his leadership in youth development and community service.
“In a world driven more and more by algorithms, your real advantage will be your ability to be human,” said Salcedo. “To connect with people. To listen. To build trust. To show up when it matters.”
Brookdale also recognized distinguished alumni whose impact continues to shape communities across the region. Distinguished Alumnus Dr. Oscar R. Diaz, who began his journey learning English at Brookdale, is now a leader in education advancing access for diverse learners. Brookdale nursing alumna Linda McDonald was also honored for a lifetime of service in healthcare and her role in building Delicious Orchards into a community institution.
Among the graduates were 22 veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and National Guard, as well as a significant number of first-generation college students—each representing resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education.
Brookdale’s student-athletes and esports competitors brought national recognition to the College. Athletic programs celebrated championship seasons, national tournament appearances, and dozens of individual honors. Meanwhile, the esports program continued its rapid rise, earning national runner-up finishes and a third national championship title for standout competitor Paul “Synnister” Synn.
As graduates crossed the stage, they joined a legacy of nearly 600,000 Brookdale alumni. Their achievements reflect not only personal success but a broader commitment to leadership, service, and lifelong learning.
With degrees in hand and futures ahead, the Class of 2026 leaves Brookdale ready to lead, inspire, and make their mark.
