Fairleigh Dickinson University holds commencements at MetLife Stadium
Multiple ceremonies celebrating Classes of 2021 and 2020 held May 18-19
Over 2800 students from 21 countries and 36 states (plus D.C.) to receive degrees
Teaneck, NJ – Beginning Tuesday, May 18, the first of four ceremonies heralding both the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020 of Fairleigh Dickinson University will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Over 2,800 students will receive doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees.
The Commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live on the web, allowing family and friends around the world to share the ceremony with their graduates.
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient
Esteemed Hollywood producer Richard Baratta will deliver the Commencement address at all ceremonies and will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts. Baratta has worked on some of the highest-grossing films in recent years, including Joker (2019), which was the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time and one of the top 10 highest-grossing films in 2019. He was also an executive producer on Martin Scorsese’s latest film, The Irishman, and he co-produced Wolf of Wall Street and Across the Universe and has worked on five Spiderman movies, as well as Big and Working Girl.
Student Pinnacle Winners
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. Winners will address their fellow graduates and the assembled audience.
The Student Pinnacle Awards Winner representing FDU’s three campuses include:
- Lillian Maltese from Lodi, N.J., representing the Metropolitan Campus,
- Emmaline Stoddard from Warren, N.J. representing the Florham Campus
- Ces Anthony Torillo Plaras, from Bohol Island, Philippines representing the Vancouver Campus
The Class of 2020 Student Pinnacle winners will be recognized and will address their fellow graduates during their ceremony.
- The Metropolitan Campus Student Pinnacle winner is Joshua Germain
- From the Florham Campus, the Student Pinnacle winner is Alisa Whitmore
Graduate Student Speaker
Sarah Kearsley, is graduating with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Currently, she serves as a strategic intelligence analyst for New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas in the NJDEA office. The Graduate Student Speaker will address their fellow graduates.
Ceremony Details
Due to the reduced capacity and social distancing measures that must be in place, the Class of 2021 and Class of 2020 Commencement ceremonies will be held over several in-person ceremonies May 18 and May 19.
Tuesday, May 18, 10 a.m.
All Class of 2021 Graduate Students (Master’s and Doctoral Degrees)
Tuesday, May 18, 2 p.m.
Class of 2021 Undergraduates from the following:
- Silberman College of Business
- Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health
- Gildart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering
- International School of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management
- School of Psychology and Counseling
Wednesday, May 19, 10 a.m.
Class of 2021 Undergraduates from the following:
- Maxwell Becton College of Arts and Sciences
Peter Sammartino School of Education
Wednesday, May 19, 2 p.m.
Class of 2020
About Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including doctoral programs in pharmacy, nursing practice, clinical psychology and school psychology; and an AACSB-accredited business school. Degree programs are offered on two New Jersey campuses and at two international campuses: Wroxton College, in Oxfordshire in England, and the Vancouver Campus, in British Columbia, Canada. For more information, visit FDU.edu.