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Brookdale Community College honored the Class of 2025 at its annual commencement ceremonies, celebrating the resilience, diversity, and excellence of 1,582 graduates. Held on campus, the ceremonies featured student accomplishments, inspiring messages from local leaders, and heartfelt tributes to individuals who have left a lasting mark on the College and community.

This year’s graduating class reflects Brookdale’s vibrant global and academic diversity. Forty students achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA, and more than 300 academic distinctions were awarded, including 85 students inducted into national honor societies. Graduates hail from 17 countries, with many having studied or interned abroad in England, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Eighty-three student-athletes and esports competitors were recognized for earning academic honors while also excelling in competition, claiming Region XIX, Garden State Athletic Conference, and national titles.

Latonya Brennan, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Vice President at Arthur J. Gallagher, opened the ceremony with a heartfelt message to the graduates.

“Wherever you go, whether it’s continuing your education, advancing in your chosen career, or stepping into new opportunities, your journey to success started here at Brookdale,” said Brennan. “Don’t forget where you came from. You will always be a Jersey Blue. You will always be part of the Brookdale family.”

Graduate Trustee Jean “JP” Guerdy Paul, the outgoing student representative, was honored with the Triangle Award and ceremoniously passed his notebook to incoming Graduate Trustee Montez Swartz.

Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, a proud Brookdale alumnus, delivered remarks at the ceremony, acknowledging the diverse paths of the graduates and assuring them of the strong foundation Brookdale has provided, and praising the college for its commitment to excellence and the community’s role in supporting these achievements.

“As a former student and now a public servant, I can tell you, your future is bright, and it started right here at Brookdale. On behalf of the 650,000 proud residents of Monmouth County, congratulations and God bless,” said Arnone.

Commissioner Erik Anderson echoed those sentiments in the afternoon ceremony:

“Brookdale Community College has always been a cornerstone of opportunity in Monmouth County. It’s one of the reasons why our county is truly the best place to live and learn in New Jersey. You are the future of this county and beyond. We’re proud of what you’ve accomplished and excited to see what comes next.”

The morning ceremony opened with stirring words from student speaker Fernando Camerino, an honors student and nationally recognized member of Brookdale’s Esports team.

“When I arrived at Brookdale, I was unsure and quiet, hiding in my shell,” he shared. “I didn’t know if college was right for me. But something shifted—just one opportunity led to the next.”

That opportunity? An invitation to Brookdale’s Honors Program.

“It was the sign I needed to believe in myself,” Camerino said.

From there, he embraced leadership roles, joined clubs, and discovered a love of learning.

“I began each day striving to be 1% better, even if it was just asking someone for a pencil,” he added. “Today, I stand before you not as the quiet kid I once was, but as someone who found his voice, path, and people.”

The afternoon student speaker, Lance Daniel Bennette—a military veteran and graduate in Homeland Security and Emergency Management—brought the crowd to its feet with a moving account of his journey from active duty to academic achievement. A Point Pleasant Borough native, Bennette credited the Student Veterans Association and his involvement in Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success as cornerstones of his college experience.

“When I arrived at Brookdale, I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “Like many veterans, I brought uncertainty and the challenge of starting over. But I found purpose, belonging, and mentorship here.”

He also spoke of rekindling his passion for cross-country running, eventually becoming team captain and competing at the national level. Bennette has received offers from Boston College, Cornell, and Dartmouth and aspires to become a government attorney.

He offered heartfelt thanks to President Dr. David Stout and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Katie Lynch:

“You bring heart to your roles, and in doing so, you inspire students like me to dream bigger.”

Brookdale also recognized outstanding student achievement across its academic institutes:

The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented posthumously to Josephine “Jody” Callender, Class of 1973. Her husband, Dr. Carl Callender, Dean Emeritus of Humanities, accepted the award on her behalf.

“The provost shared Jody’s long list of accomplishments—but here’s what you might relate to most: she hated college—until she came to Brookdale,” Dr. Callender said. “She said, ‘Brookdale is where the faculty teach you to think.’ And Brookdale changed her life.”

Jody graduated with honors from both Brookdale and Rutgers, where she was part of the first class of women admitted.

Brookdale proudly conferred honorary degrees on two individuals to recognize their lifelong service and contributions.

Ms. Orrie Schulman, founder of Caring With Compassion, is a human services practitioner and a member of Brookdale’s Human Services Advisory Committee. She was honored for her exceptional dedication to education and community advocacy. At Brookdale’s 2025 Commencement, she was awarded an honorary Associate of Letters degree in recognition of her extraordinary journey and unwavering commitment to the disability community. From overcoming a life-threatening illness and early educational challenges to founding Caring With Compassion—an organization now supporting over 200 families—Schulman has turned adversity into advocacy.

“Failure is not an identity, it’s simply life telling you something isn’t right for you. If you’re willing to make friends with failure, you’ll push yourself to do things you never imagined,” Schulman told the graduates.

Brookdale recognized her as a powerful example of resilience, service, and lifelong learning.

Ms. Geraldine Livingston Thompson (1872–1967), was posthumously awarded an honorary degree for her enduring legacy of civic engagement, educational support, and human rights advocacy. A pioneering social reformer , philanthropist and civic leader, her life’s work continues to uplift Monmouth County and beyond. The degree was accepted by her great-grandson, Benjamin Thompson, who remarked:

“Geraldine Thompson was a force of nature, fierce in her convictions, yet deeply compassionate in her service. That is the spirit I hope you carry forward. Stand firm in your beliefs, serve others generously, and never underestimate the power of one voice to ignite change. As Geraldine herself once said, ‘Keep fighting for at least one cause, especially an unpopular one.’”

The Class of 2025 is a diverse and determined group, many of whom balanced full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and personal challenges to earn their degrees. Their accomplishments are vast and inspiring, with students transferring to top universities, launching careers, and leading change in their communities.

As tassels turned and caps flew, one message rang clear: Brookdale is more than a stepping stone, it’s where students find their strength, shape their futures, and rise together.

“Whatever your path,” Fernando told his classmates, “may the friendships, lessons, and courage you’ve found here continue to light your way.”

And as Lance added, “These two years flew by, and they changed my life forever.”

And as Dr. Lynch reminded us in her remarks:

“The most interesting and empowering thing about courage is that you can only have it when you are afraid. Courage means being anxious, worried, and scared about something — and doing that thing anyway.”

Congratulations, Class of 2025. Your next chapter begins now.

Gallery of photos: By Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press
Brookdale Gallery