May 22, 2025

by Lauren Ferguson

More than 300 Ramapo College of New Jersey graduate students were awarded advanced academic degrees on May 22, during a spirited commencement ceremony celebrating their hard-earned success.  

The milestone event – held at the Bradley Center on Ramapo’s picturesque Mahwah campus – was an opportunity for family, friends, faculty and supporters to recognize the graduates for all the work they put into their studies, and send them out into the world equipped to lead. 

The emotional crowd erupted when each of the 11 different doctoral and masters programs were announced, as students filed into the arena, wearing maroon caps and gowns. Over their left arms, they carried hoods – that their respective deans would later place over their shoulders as a symbol of their advanced degrees.

Justin Bladen ‘22 and ‘25, and Bryan Joseph ‘23 and ‘25 – who earned their Masters of Business Administration – smiled wide.

“Go out there and lead—in your classrooms, offices, clinics, labs, and communities. Lead with empathy,” Ramapo College President Dr. Cindy Jebb told graduates. “You are so well-prepared for this moment and for the many moments that will follow.”

Jebb praised graduates for balancing their studies with other parts of their lives in pursuit of their dreams. She recognized veterans, parents and caregivers, professionals and entrepreneurs, and students immediately coming off the heels of earning their baccalaureate degrees, telling them, “We are so proud of all of you.”

Graduates earned doctorates in nursing practice, and master’s degrees in accounting, applied mathematics, business administration, contemporary instructional design, computer science, data science, educational leadership, nursing, special education and social work. 

Kimberly Hanna ‘25, of Montvale, NJ, who earned her Master of Business Administration, addressed her fellow graduates as the student speaker. She told them, “Our advanced education isn’t just a credential; it’s a toolkit for meaningful impact. It’s the start of unlimited possibilities.”

Student speaker Kimberly Hanna ‘25, earned her Master of Business Administration.

Other graduating students said they were proud of themselves and excited for the future.  

Earning her Master of Arts in Special Education made Simone Kizel ‘20 and ‘25, of Monroe Township, NJ, feel like she can make a difference. “I can really be the kind of person that I want to be in the world and support the students who need support,” she said.

Her classmate, Nadia Seltzer ‘20 and ‘25, of Maplewood, NJ, who also earned her Master of Arts in Special Education, said she was excited to “take everything that I learned here and apply it in the classroom.” 

Justin Bladen ‘22 and ‘25, said earning his Master of Business Administration was not easy, “but it was all worth it.”

“I graduated from Ramapo as well, so literally not even a year ago, I was walking across the stage, and here I am again, walking across another stage,” Bladen, of Sickerville, NJ, explained. “So, I’m very grateful for the experience. Two degrees in five years, and it’s something you really can’t beat.”

Deans placed hoods on graduates.

Graduates were called up by program to be hooded by their respective deans, and congratulated by their program directors and President Jebb. As individual names were called, supporters clapped and shouted. 

“That’s my mom!” one proud daughter shouted, as tears rolled down her cheeks, when Elizabeth Pangert ‘22 and ‘25, of Riverdale, NJ, was awarded her Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

Graduates walked off stage to be greeted with smiles, hugs and handshakes from their encouraging, mentoring professors.

A group of nine student athletes on the College’s softball and baseball teams were also awarded their Bachelor’s Degrees during the ceremony. They had missed undergraduate commencement because their teams advanced to NCAA tournaments.

For photos of the ceremony and celebration, check out the graduate commencement gallery.