Caldwell College Graduation

At its 70th Commencement ceremony, 382 students graduated from Caldwell College this week in the George R. Newman Center on the college campus with the first graduation class for the college's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. 

Angelina A. Scimone, Ph.D., of Cedar Grove and professor of chemistry at Caldwell College, held the traditional mace at the head of the college's academic procession on May 20. Carrying the mace is an honor given to a senior faculty member. Scimone was recognized at Caldwell College's Founder’s Day ceremony on March 22 for 25 years of service to the college.

President Nancy H. Blattner, Ph. D., OPA presented the 298 undergraduate students and 84 graduate students with their diplomas. Degrees awarded were Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees and the graduate students with their Master of Arts or Master of Business Administration degrees.

Caldwell College graduating senior, Olga Ndhlova of Bergenfield, gave the commencement addressing the Class of 2012 that to deal with the uncertainty of their future they should use what they learned at Caldwell College, including what she called her four suggestions to have confidence, embrace their individuality, take risks, and take action. She encouraged her classmates to serve their communities “and remember that we can indeed create, choose and change, the way forward.”

Also, an honorary degree was awarded to Sister Arlene Antczak, O.P. prioress of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell and a member of the Caldwell College board of trustees. 

A posthumous degree was presented to Michael Martin, a Caldwell College student and West Caldwell resident who died on April 24. His brother, Thomas, accepted the degree.

Sister Elizabeth Michael Boyle, professor of English, received the rank of Professor Emeritus.