About Commencement 2025
Ceremonies celebrating the Class of 2024 of Fairleigh Dickinson University were held in May, 2025, at MetLife Stadium.
2025 Commencement Honoree
Eric LeGrand
Fairleigh Dickinson University is proud to announce that Eric LeGrand will serve as the Commencement speaker for this year’s ceremony taking place on Wednesday, May 14 at MetLife Stadium. A former Rutgers University football player, LeGrand’s inspiring journey of resilience and advocacy has made him a national figure of hope and determination.
LeGrand sustained a spinal cord injury during a game at MetLife Stadium, facing an uncertain prognosis. However, through relentless perseverance and an unwaveringly positive mindset, he has defied expectations, serving as a role model for countless individuals.
In 2013, he founded Team LeGrand, through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, dedicated to advancing research and support for those living with paralysis. Since its inception, Team LeGrand has raised over two million dollars to continue Reeve’s legacy of advocacy and innovation in spinal cord injury treatment.
LeGrand’s impact extends far beyond his journey. As a participant in the Reeve Foundation’s NeuroRecovery Network, he has undergone intensive rehabilitation, regaining movement in his shoulders and experiencing notable improvements in his overall health. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and medical advancements in spinal cord injury recovery.
Beyond his advocacy, LeGrand has built an impressive career as an author, sports analyst for ESPN, Sirius, the Big Ten Network, and Rutgers radio, and a highly sought-after motivational speaker. His influence has mobilized support for critical policies, groundbreaking research, and greater awareness of challenges faced by the paralysis community. In addition to his media career, he has become a successful entrepreneur, expanding his reach into various business ventures.
FDU is honored to host Eric LeGrand as this year’s Commencement speaker. His journey exemplifies the resilience, determination, and commitment to service that we hope to inspire in our graduates.
During the ceremony, Eric will deliver the commencement address and will be conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters and hooded in Fairleigh Dickinson’s burgundy and blue colors.
Student Pinnacle Award Recipients for 2025
The Pinnacle Award is the highest honor the University bestows on a graduating student. One student from each campus who has demonstrated academic excellence, public service and commitment to the University is honored. Recipients will address their fellow graduates and the assembled audience.
Natalie Van, of Manalapan, N.J., is a 4+1 scholar in Criminology, graduating with a 3.6 GPA undergraduate. A member of the Honors Program, Pre-Law, and Criminal Justice honor societies, she has served as a Resident Assistant, Student Ambassador, and Dean’s Student Council member. Natalie interned with Florham Park Police and advanced to Security Lead at Six Flags Great Adventure. She also founded Women in Criminal Law and leads the True Crime Club. Natalie is also certified in First Aid and CPR. After completing her master’s degree, she plans to pursue a career in law enforcement or legal advocacy.
Jayla Rose Grady, of Baltimore, Md., is a Government and Politics major with a concentration in British Studies with a 3.66 GPA. A Global Scholar and Honors Student, she interned at the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, where she drafted Maryland’s first victim service guide, and with Senator Cory Booker’s office. She also served as a legislative intern for Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly. On campus, Jayla leads as President of the Student Government Association and the Vice President of the Black Student Union. With additional experience in early childhood education and residence life, she plans to attend law school.
Fatima Farag Hussein Alharazi, of Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Ethiopia is a Business Administration major with a concentration in International Business, graduating with a GPA above 3.8. She has earned consistent Honor List recognition and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma in 2024. Fatima’s professional journey began in early childhood education and expanded into B2B and C2B sales, where she developed skills in negotiation, relationship-building, and strategic thinking. She aspires to launch an international enterprise that champions inclusivity and purpose. Inspired by her heritage, Fatima is committed to empowering underserved communities through education and global engagement.
2025 Commencement Ceremony Programs
The programs for the Commencement exercises of FDU’s New Jersey campuses are available for download.