GCU graduates ready to make their mark, continue to grow in faith
June 18, 2024 at 1:01 p.m.
A Catholic university founded upon the core values of the Sisters of Mercy celebrated the launching of its 494 newest graduates May 9 in Lakewood. Georgian Court University — which celebrates respect, integrity, justice, compassion and service — bestowed 325 bachelor’s degrees, 159 master’s degrees, and 10 doctoral degrees from the university’s four schools during its 113th annual Commencement.
Msgr. Joseph Rosie, pastor of Red Bank’s St. James Parish and a GCU trustee, served as principal celebrant and homilist of the Baccalaureate Mass in the Dorothy Marron University Community Chapel. He told graduates that as long as they planted the seed for success, it would come to fruition.
“Education is to bring us into the truth … recognize our commitment to journeying towards the perfect community of God,” Msgr. Rosie told the Class of 2024.
Msgr. Joseph N. Rosie, pastor of St. James Parish, Red Bank, and Georgian Court University trustee, celebrates the Baccalaureate Mass for GCU in the Dorothy Marron University Community Chapel. Courtesy photosApollo fountain, the class was greeted by GCU President Joseph R. Marbach, who dubbed its members “the picture of persistence.” Marbach noted the graduates ranged in age from 18 to 56 and added, “You balanced jobs, raised children, juggled finances, or enrolled after military service. … You are ready to make your mark and to make a difference.”
Marbach rejoiced in the academic achievements of the university’s newest crop of graduates and noted it put them in good stead, for fewer than 40% of Americans over the age of 25 have a bachelor’s degree. He also paid special tribute to the first-generation college graduates who made up 35% of the graduating class.
MAKING DREAMS A REALITY
Kayla Latendresse addressed her fellow graduates: “You all are the Disney magic that has helped to make our college dreams a reality. … From this day on, we will continue to dream and aspire to accomplish goals that mean so much to us and that shape our entire lives. Nothing is impossible, but instead, anything we put our minds to is possible if we exemplify courage.”
Latendresse, a Brick native and graduate of the town’s St. Dominic School and St. Rose High School, Belmar, said her GCU education “kept my relationship with God at center,” with the opportunity to cantor at campus ministry Masses and serve as editor-in-chief of the university’s Fountain Spray literary and art magazine.
Courtesy photo. Labeling her years as a Catholic college student “so amazing,” Latendresse continued, “I want to make a difference in the lives of others. With this small community, they got to know me, and I was able to align my life with the university’s core values.”
A fellow member of the Class of 2024, Jennifer Matthews, chose biochemistry as her major. The New Egypt native was a graduate of Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, and spent many hours in the laboratories of GCU while still finding time to be involved with TRIO Student Support Services for first-generation college students.
She expressed gratitude for the small classes and interpersonal relationships unique to a school where teachers acted as education partners.
“I got personal attention, and the professors really got to know us,” Matthews said. “GCU just got a grant and new equipment, and the companies where I have been going on interviews are very impressed at the amount of experience I have had in the lab.”
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A Catholic university founded upon the core values of the Sisters of Mercy celebrated the launching of its 494 newest graduates May 9 in Lakewood. Georgian Court University — which celebrates respect, integrity, justice, compassion and service — bestowed 325 bachelor’s degrees, 159 master’s degrees, and 10 doctoral degrees from the university’s four schools during its 113th annual Commencement.
Msgr. Joseph Rosie, pastor of Red Bank’s St. James Parish and a GCU trustee, served as principal celebrant and homilist of the Baccalaureate Mass in the Dorothy Marron University Community Chapel. He told graduates that as long as they planted the seed for success, it would come to fruition.
“Education is to bring us into the truth … recognize our commitment to journeying towards the perfect community of God,” Msgr. Rosie told the Class of 2024.
Msgr. Joseph N. Rosie, pastor of St. James Parish, Red Bank, and Georgian Court University trustee, celebrates the Baccalaureate Mass for GCU in the Dorothy Marron University Community Chapel. Courtesy photosApollo fountain, the class was greeted by GCU President Joseph R. Marbach, who dubbed its members “the picture of persistence.” Marbach noted the graduates ranged in age from 18 to 56 and added, “You balanced jobs, raised children, juggled finances, or enrolled after military service. … You are ready to make your mark and to make a difference.”
Marbach rejoiced in the academic achievements of the university’s newest crop of graduates and noted it put them in good stead, for fewer than 40% of Americans over the age of 25 have a bachelor’s degree. He also paid special tribute to the first-generation college graduates who made up 35% of the graduating class.
MAKING DREAMS A REALITY
Kayla Latendresse addressed her fellow graduates: “You all are the Disney magic that has helped to make our college dreams a reality. … From this day on, we will continue to dream and aspire to accomplish goals that mean so much to us and that shape our entire lives. Nothing is impossible, but instead, anything we put our minds to is possible if we exemplify courage.”
Latendresse, a Brick native and graduate of the town’s St. Dominic School and St. Rose High School, Belmar, said her GCU education “kept my relationship with God at center,” with the opportunity to cantor at campus ministry Masses and serve as editor-in-chief of the university’s Fountain Spray literary and art magazine.
Courtesy photo. Labeling her years as a Catholic college student “so amazing,” Latendresse continued, “I want to make a difference in the lives of others. With this small community, they got to know me, and I was able to align my life with the university’s core values.”
A fellow member of the Class of 2024, Jennifer Matthews, chose biochemistry as her major. The New Egypt native was a graduate of Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, and spent many hours in the laboratories of GCU while still finding time to be involved with TRIO Student Support Services for first-generation college students.
She expressed gratitude for the small classes and interpersonal relationships unique to a school where teachers acted as education partners.
“I got personal attention, and the professors really got to know us,” Matthews said. “GCU just got a grant and new equipment, and the companies where I have been going on interviews are very impressed at the amount of experience I have had in the lab.”