Oh joy!- Graduates celebrate at SCCC

NEWTON — After earning enough credits by talking the talk, many of the 488 Sussex County Community College students walked the walk at Thursday’s commencement ceremony. Led by Grand Marshall Janet Cutshall, associate professor of English, members of the largest graduating class in the college’s 22-year history entered the Lakeland Bank Pavilion on the Connor Green just after 6 p.m. The ceremony was opened by student Kristina Bolduc, who performed the National Anthem. Harold H. Damato, senior vice president of student services; Jeffrey M. Parrott, freeholder deputy director; Dr. Kate Douglas, vice president of academic affairs; Melanie Arpaio, SCCC assistant professor; Caitlin Devine Berkefeld, student spokesperson; and Dr. Constance Mierendorf, SCCC president, each made a speech. The commencement speaker was Cheryl Ann Rogowski, president, Rogowski Farms. “I think what is special about this particular graduation is that this is not only a turning point in our lives, it is also a turning point in the life of our country,” said Mierendorf as part of her speech. She went on to quote Herman Hesse’s “Siddhartha” and Williams Wadsworth in talking about the strength of soul and spirit. The first degree was awarded at 7:20 p.m. and Mierendorf and William Waite, dean of business, mathematics, science, and law division, made quick work of awarding the degrees and certificates. A reception of light refreshments followed the ceremony.