Undergraduate Commencement Celebrates Student Achievements
Graduates urged to follow their dreams with confidence in their abilities
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Montclair State University conferred bachelor’s degrees in science and mathematics, humanities and the social sciences, business, the arts, education and nursing on students who completed their degree requirements in August 2018, and January and May 2019 at its Undergraduate Commencement exercises on Friday, May 24 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Montclair State University President Susan A. Cole presided over the exercises and the Commencement address was delivered by Kevin P. Bradley, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Steel, who received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree.
A veteran executive of the financial services industry, Bradley served in senior executive positions at GE Capital, AT&T Capital and Terex Corporation prior to his appointment in 2017 to his current role at U.S. Steel, where he has executive responsibility for the financial leadership and oversight of the corporation’s global enterprise.
A 1984 graduate of Montclair State, Bradley has actively given back to his alma mater by serving on the Feliciano School of Business Advisory Board, chairing the Board’s Marketing and Brand Enhancement Committee, and being a generous contributor to the Feliciano School of Business.
Addressing the graduates, Bradley shared stories of his own years at Montclair State and spoke of the importance of respect and courage, which he called “My absolute, non-negotiable, must-haves.”
“Always remember you get to choose what you do and where you do it,” Bradley told the graduates. “Make sure the organizations that you choose to be a part of reflect the values that define you as a person. Respect and courage are two of my favorites.”
In closing, Bradley wished the graduates every success in the paths they choose. “Make sure it’s a path that makes you happy and allows you to realize your dreams,” he said. “You are ready. You already have everything you need to be successful. Don’t ever forget that.”
The senior address was delivered by Student Government Association President Serafina Genise, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a minor in Sociology. “We are the future educators, doctors, lawyers, business people, nurses, politicians, artists and leaders of this nation and this world,” she said to her fellow graduates. “I cannot wait to see all we can accomplish.”
The two Graduate School Commencement ceremonies for doctoral and master’s degree recipients were held earlier on January 19 and May 21 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. Together, between the three Commencement ceremonies, Montclair State University conferred 5,235 degrees on the graduating Class of 2019.
Congratulations Graduates!