Thomas Edison State University Celebrates 52nd Annual Commencement

On Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, Thomas Edison State University (TESU) celebrated its 52nd Annual Commencement ceremony, honoring the academic achievements of its diverse class of graduates. Families, friends and university staff gathered in a jubilant ceremony that highlighted the perseverance and determination of adult learners from across New Jersey and the United States.

“The ceremony was a reminder of the power of lifelong learning, with each graduate’s journey representing a story of resilience, dedication and the pursuit of dreams.” said Dr. Merodie A. Hancock, TESU president. "Their success is proof that our challenges are meant to be embraced, and our goals are meant to be achieved.” 

The Class of 2024, with an average age of 37, included graduates from every county in New Jersey as well as from across the country. The day’s emotional highlight was the speech from student speaker Frank Orlando of Long Island, N.Y., who shared his personal journey of returning to school after bypassing college in his teens to pursue acting. A dedicated JetBlue Airways employee, Orlando described how a family tragedy spurred him to enroll in the JetBlue Scholars program to earn his degree. "Education became a powerful tool in changing my life, not just in my career but in my outlook," said Orlando, who was recently promoted to Senior Analyst, Cobrand Digital Acquisitions at JetBlue. His message of perseverance and transformation resonated deeply with the audience.

Among the graduates was Patricia Carey-Chambers of Mays Landing, N.J., this year’s oldest graduate at 71 years old. After starting her college journey in 1970, Carey-Chambers completed her degree over decades, fulfilling a promise she made to herself more than 50 years ago. "I never gave up on my dream of earning a degree," she reflected. "This day marks the culmination of years of determination and commitment."

Steven R. King, a School of Business and Management alum and valued TESU Foundation board member, received an honorary degree in recognition of how he embodies TESU’s values of innovation, perseverance and leadership. Currently serving as a managing partner of Tulloch Investments LLC and an investor and strategic advisor for early-stage technology companies, King joined the TESU Foundation Board in 2013 and currently serves as co-vice chair and a member of the Board Development Committee. He and his wife Kay’s philanthropic interests include supporting initiatives that remove barriers to student success. Among their donations, the Kings funded TESU’s Zero Textbook Cost courses program, which has saved students more than $2 million in textbook expenses to date.