Red Bull Arena: Two Commencement Ceremonies on Wed. May 15, 2024

New Jersey City University (NJCU) will celebrate its 2024 commencement with two ceremonies at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on Wednesday, May 15. This year’s event marks a significant occasion for the university, as it welcomes graduates, their families, and the broader community to a venue renowned for its size and accessibility.

NJCU, known for its diverse academic programs and dedication to student success, will hold the first ceremony at 10:00 a.m. for the School of Business and the College of Professional Studies. The second ceremony, starting at 2:00 p.m., will celebrate graduates from the William J. Maxwell College of Arts & Sciences and the Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education, including CAS/Education dual degree recipients.

Event Details and Logistics

Morning Ceremony: Doors open at 9:00 a.m. for the School of Business and College of Professional Studies graduates.

Afternoon Ceremony: Doors open at 1:00 p.m. for graduates from the William J. Maxwell College of Arts & Sciences and the Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education.

Each ceremony will last approximately two hours, providing a formal and respectful environment for graduates and their families to mark this significant milestone. All guests are welcome, and there is no limit on the number of guests per student. Red Bull Arena’s accessibility ensures that all attendees, including those requiring special accommodations, can participate fully.

Speakers and Special Guests

The student response will be delivered by Tekla Tchelidze, '24, a Biology major who transferred from Tbilisi State University in the Republic of Georgia. Tchelidze has been an active member of the NJCU community, serving as the President of the Biology Club, a Supplemental Instruction tutor, and a member of the Leadership Honor Society.

The commencement speaker for the event is Bettina L. Love, a distinguished professor, changemaker, and New York Times Best-Selling Author of Punished for Dreaming.  Dr. Love will also receive an honorary doctorate degree during the ceremonies.

Transportation and Parking

With the first ceremony beginning at 10:00 a.m., the Harrison Police Department is expected to issue a morning traffic bulletin for residents and commuters, anticipating increased traffic during rush hour. Graduates, their families, and other attendees are encouraged to take advantage of public transportation, specifically the PATH train, to alleviate congestion.

Parking will be available at the Harrison Parking Garage, located next to the Harrison PATH Station. This convenient location allows for easy access to the Red Bull Arena and is strongly recommended for those driving to the event.

Anticipated Attendance

NJCU has not placed a cap on the number of guests per student, making it difficult to predict the exact number of attendees. However, the university is preparing for a significant turnout, given the high number of graduates and the open invitation extended to their families and friends.

As NJCU prepares to celebrate its 2024 graduates, the university looks forward to a memorable and joyous occasion that honors the hard work and dedication of its students. The use of the Red Bull Arena underscores the importance of this milestone and provides a fitting backdrop for the next chapter in the lives of NJCU's graduates.

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