Amid Joy, Pomp and Circumstance, the Class of 2026 Marches into its Future
(Photo: W. Scott Giglio)
By Kenna Caprio
May 13, 2026 — Confetti erupted as faculty, staff, alumni, family, friends and honored guests congratulated, applauded and cheered for the Class of 2026 at Commencement.
“Because of your hard work to reach this point, because of what you have achieved — and with thanks to all those who have helped you, supported you and even challenged you — you are prepared for today, and more importantly, you are prepared for tomorrow,” said University President Michael Avaltroni.
This year, for the first time, the ceremony was held at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. More than 2,521 students received degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels.
Marium Rizvi (Photo: W. Scott Giglio)
“Once you leave Fairleigh Dickinson, your life will no longer be guided by syllabi, by deadlines, by professors or by grade point averages. Your life will be guided by your values and by your character,” said Commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient Lieutenant General (retired) Mark Hertling. “We drift less when we know exactly who we are and we reinforce it every single day.”
Hertling served for 38 years in the U.S. Army, closing his career as the Commanding General of US Army Europe in 2012. Following his retirement from the military, Hertling became the senior vice president at AdventHealth, the nation’s largest nonprofit healthcare system. He holds three master’s degrees and a doctorate, has written two books, and currently teaches leadership to MBA students at Rollins College in Florida.
At the ceremony, Hertling led the graduates and guests in a lighthearted bit of “graduation karaoke,” singing a few lines of “The Theme from New York, New York,” before the student speakers took the stage.
Student Pinnacle Award recipients Marium Rizvi, representing the Florham Campus, and Emily Jacobelli, representing the Metropolitan Campus, addressed their fellow graduates.
Emily Jacobelli (Photo: W. Scott Giglio)
“Use your gifts not only to pursue success, but also to help heal this hurting world. Today we graduate not just with degrees, but also with the responsibility and the opportunity to create great change. When I look out at all of you today, I firmly believe that it’s possible,” said Rizvi. “Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We did it!”
“You are here today because you got yourself here, and you should be especially proud of that. When you start to feel down on yourself, remember this rewarding moment,” said Jacobelli. “Class of 2026, may this milestone be just one of many to come!”
Parsa Mokari Zadeh Asil, the Vancouver Pinnacle Award recipient, spoke at the Vancouver Campus graduation ceremony on April 30.
The University’s 83rd Commencement ceremony streamed live on the web. The Class of 2026 represents 60 countries and 37 states and territories.
“I have no doubt that you will achieve success as you define it. Believe in yourselves and let your work ethic, your character your passion and your drive always stand out,” said Avaltroni.
(Photo: W. Scott Giglio)