Annual Graduation Fair Brings Rising Graduates Together for a Day to Celebrate and Prepare for Commencement

MAYS LANDING — Members of the Atlantic Cape Community College Class of 2025 got a jump start on graduation preparations as they gathered for a day of camaraderie, celebration and entertainment at the Annual Graduation Fair on May 1 at the Mays Landing campus.

Inside the Student Center, the rising graduates picked up their cap and gowns, and adorned their traditional headpieces with personalized decorations; took formal and informal photographs in full graduation regalia and casual attire; met with various College departments to finalize graduation odds and ends; spoke with Alumni Association representatives about remaining in-touch with the College following graduation and with four-year universities like Stockton and Rutgers about transfer opportunities; and, of course, enjoyed free food, snacks, desserts, beverages, live musical entertainment and cake as well.

The highlight of the afternoon was the Graduation Toast as students raised their glasses of sparkling cider to acknowledge the successes and accomplishments of the Class of 2025.

Student Government Association President and rising graduate Juwan Torres saluted his fellow classmates with an inspirational speech prior to leading the Graduation Toast.

“Today, we gather not only to celebrate, but to witness a defining moment in our shared journey. This is a moment in time that rewrites the story of our lives. We each traveled different paths to get here, some smooth, some difficult, rough, full of twists and challenges. For a brief moment, they have been lit by the resilience, shaped by the late-night study sessions and driven by the quiet determination that pushed us beyond the limits that we didn't know we could exceed.

“Look around you. Every face carries a story. Chapters of sacrifice and triumph. I am overwhelmed with the honor and exhilaration of standing here and saying this with all my heart. We did it! We are graduating! But, this milestone isn't the end. It is a prologue to our next chapter. So, before we rush into tomorrow, let's raise a glass and honor today.

“The story is yet to be written on the class of 2025. May you carry the willpower to stay strong, the courage to embrace the unknown and the vision to carve your own path forward.”

Several students won exciting raffle prizes including a free graduation cap and gown package, gift baskets full of Atlantic Cape swag and goodies, and gift certificates as well.

“It is absolutely remarkable and it's so great to celebrate each and every one of you because today it is all about you, each and every one of you, and how you've made it here today,” said Chris Mularz, advancement officer, Atlantic Cape Foundation. “And, in a couple weeks you are going be walking across the stage, flipping the tassel to the other side and becoming graduates of Atlantic Cape. I can't wait to celebrate that day with each and every one of you along with your family and friends.”

This event was sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Atlantic Cape Alumni Association.

The 58^th Annual Commencement ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. on the Mays Landing campus Quad. This year’s commencement keynote address will be delivered by Eric Scheffler, executive director, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA).

Mr. Scheffler, named the CRDA’s executive director in April 2024, is a dedicated individual recognized for his significant contributions to public safety and public health initiatives over the course of his illustrious 28-year career in law enforcement.

View a photo gallery of this event on Flickr here.

For more information on Commencement 2025, how to view the proceedings via our live stream, how to share a Graduate Spotlight story with us, additional ceremony information, FAQs and much more, visit atlanticcape.edu/graduation.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 46 undergraduate degree programs, and 32 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.