For the more than 350 undergraduate and close to 200 graduate students who received their diplomas from Georgian Court University, Lakewood, this month, the message of faith could not have been stronger.

“You already know that to whom much is given, much is expected,” Sister Rosemary E. Jeffries, RSM, Ph.D., president of GCU, said when addressing the graduates. “For you who have been given so much, in faith, much is required. You must do more as faith demands.”

The importance of faith in their future achievements was shared not only through messages from speakers, but also through celebration of a special Baccalaureate Mass preceding the undergraduate commencement exercises.

Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Casimir H. Ladzinski, a trustee of GCU, and was concelebrated by campus chaplain, Father Anthony DiPalma. Joining them for Mass, and delivering the homily, was Deacon James J. Knipper of St. Paul Parish, Princeton, also a GCU trustee, who was marking his own graduation from the GCU Master of Arts in Theology program.

During his homily, Deacon Knipper spoke passionately about the Eucharist, discussing how, as believers, GCU graduates are uniquely equipped to embrace its power and significance.

“The Eucharist, without serving others, without reaching those in the margin, is just Eucharist,” he said. “Likewise, your diploma without a commitment to be the body of Christ together with others becomes just a piece of paper, hardly worth the ink that is written on it.”

Graduates who had earned degrees in fields ranging from social work to psychology, homeland security to holistic health were called to live up to their potential while always embracing their faith.

“Live a life worthy of your calling,” Sister Jeffries told the graduates. “Where could faith call you? I'm sure you cannot even imagine. Will it help you to dream how to make life better for others? Or will faith demand meeting unexpected needs of people in different places? Go with our blessing and with high hopes into a world in need of your commitment and your faith.”

This year’s commencement marked the final graduation for Sister Jeffries, who is stepping down after 14 years leading the Lakewood institution. She was granted president emeritus status by the GCU Board of Trustees during the May 21 undergraduate ceremony.

Graduating senior Lindsay Taft, who served as president of the Student Government Association (SGA), spoke to her fellow graduates about the unexpected choices and outcomes she experienced while at GCU.

“Whether it was breaking away from what was comfortable, taking a risk and trying something new, or pushing my self-set limits, I took the unplanned and unpredictable road less traveled,” she said. “And if not for Georgian Court, I would never have followed those redirections or taken those leaps of faith.”

Featured commencement speaker Robert Wicks, Psy.D., opened his remarks to the graduates with a quote made famous by noted theologian Albert Schweitzer: “I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”

With three decades of expertise in psychology and spirituality, Dr. Wicks is a faculty member in Loyola University, Baltimore. He was presented with an honorary degree from GCU during this year’s commencement.

“There are five words I want to remember as you respond to your calling as a graduate of Georgian Court University,” he said, using short stories to underscore the importance of faith, humility, mindfulness/prayer, detachment, and perspective—especially in tough times.

“I promise you no less darkness, but if you are faithful in reaching out to others, and faithful to self-care, self-love, and self-knowledge, and faithful to something greater than yourself, you will be deeper and different for the rest of your life,” Dr. Wicks said. “When you take knowledge and add humility, you get wisdom. Add compassion and you get love, and love is the heart of life—God is love.”

Graduate students receiving their degrees enjoyed the opportunity to hear from one of their peers, Jennifer Bumbico, a third-grade teacher in St. Mary Elementary School, Middletown, who earned her Master of Arts degree in administration and leadership.

“Believe it or not…we made it,” she said. “We accomplished what we thought at the beginning of our journey was impossible.”

Bumbico encouraged her classmates to remain prayerful as they embark upon the next stage of their journeys, and to always challenge themselves.

 “We persevered through all the research, the internships, the coursework, the cramming, and late-night study sessions— most of this while working full time. Our diploma did not come easy, and for this we should feel accomplished,” she said. “We are the few…we are blessed to have had this experience at GCU.”