373 Graduates Earn Degrees at Centenary University’s 151st Commencement
Centenary University | Hackettstown, New Jersey
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters awarded to commencement speaker Cyndy Drue, a Philadelphia radio veteran and 1975 graduate of the university.
Hackettstown, N.J., May 16, 2025—Centenary University awarded degrees to 373 graduates at its 151st commencement, which was held in two separate ceremonies today for undergraduate and graduate students. Bachelor’s and associate degree candidates received their degrees during a ceremony at 9 am, while master’s and doctoral degree recipients were celebrated at 1 pm.
During today’s commencement ceremonies, Centenary University President John R. Schol, D.Min., encouraged the Class of 2026 to value their place in the history of Centenary University. “Just a short distance from where we gather today, a group of Methodists came together in 1867 with a vision, to create a school that would prepare students for successful careers and successful lives. They called it Centenary,” President Schol said. “I don’t believe even in their boldest dreams they could have imagined the remarkable Class of 2026 seated here before us on this front lawn today.” Noting that the Class of 2026 includes high achievers—including a national champion, an equine team that took third in the nation, five All-American Academic Team wrestlers, the university’s first cohort of nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and other outstanding students—he continued, “Each and every one of our students makes us incredibly proud.”
Philadelphia radio veteran Cyndy Drue delivered the commencement address and was recognized with a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. A 1975 Centenary University graduate, Drue has been a familiar voice in Philadelphia radio for half a century, interviewing major artists including Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, and Bono. Her extraordinary career has also included work in television, film, and voice-over performance.
In her address, Drue credited Centenary with providing her with a strong foundation in media. She shared five career and life lessons with the graduates: Pursue the college classes and activities that bring joy; keep an open mind to suggestions from fellow professionals; don’t hesitate to pitch your ideas; focus on what you want, not what you’re afraid of; and be true to yourself. “Since I’ve played rock music for decades on the radio, I’ve heard many wise lyrics,” Drue said. “My favorite set of words comes from a song that was performed at Woodstock. The song is called Wooden Ships. The lyrics say, ‘If you smile at me, I will understand. Because that is something everyone everywhere does in the same language.’ Let’s all keep smiling.”
Tanner Sullivan of Basking Ridge, NJ, who was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Communication: Radio/Television/Film, summa cum laude, with a minor in professional writing, is valedictorian of the Class of 2026, graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA). As a college senior, Sullivan is already a familiar voice to listeners of WNTI and WRNJ, two Hackettstown-area radio stations. For the past three years, Sullivan has hosted a weekly program called The Ticket Booth—which explores various aspects of the film industry—on WNTI, Centenary University’s streaming station. Last year, Sullivan added Fresh Popcorn, a weekly feature on upcoming films, and man-on-the-street interviews to his schedule via an internship at WRNJ. He is pursuing a career in radio and film.
Noting that the college journey has ended for the graduates, Sullivan told his classmates that it’s natural to ask, “What’s next?” He continued, “For all of us, it will be a different story. Through our different majors, we’ve been able to accomplish so much, and learn more about these fields we’re so passionate about. Whether you majored in business, writing, or were more committed to athletics and extracurricular programs, one key factor is certain: Your passion and love for your medium is what really helps you to shine and stand out.” At the university’s recent Academic and Student Leadership Awards Ceremony, Alexis d’Ambly was recognized as the Class of 2026 First-Generation Valedictorian, while Serafina R. Lopez earned the Red Knot Award, presented to the graduating transfer student with the highest grade point average. At commencement, President Schol recognized students graduating with perfect 4.0 GPAs with the President’s Academic Excellence Award—Tanner Sullivan, Alexis d’Ambly, Serafina R. Lopez, Emily Gorman, Greg Lake, Nicole Leonard, Jennifer Montiero, and Boban Nedelkov.
In addition, Assistant Professor of Counseling Alissandra Singher, Ph.D., was honored as Centenary University’s Distinguished Teacher of the Year, while Adjunct Professor in Fine Arts Joseph Coco received the Joel K. Kobert Adjunct Teacher of the Year award.
At the hooding ceremony/commencement for master’s and doctoral graduates, Carie Norcross-Murphy, Ed.D., of Stroudsburg, Pa., who earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, was recognized with the university’s prestigious Alyce Hunter Dissertation Award.
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, ARTICLE CONTENT
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Centenary University was founded in 1867 by United Methodists and offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. The University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Ph.D. in Happiness Studies and first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.