ATLANTIC CITY – Atlantic Cape Community College’s Class of 2026 received some well–deserved rock star treatment during the 59th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 21 under the bright arena lights of Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall in Atlantic City.
Before hundreds of energetic and proud family members, friends and loved ones — many holding congratulatory signs, waving and jumping for joy, blowing air horns or vociferously addressing their well–wishes — the 410 graduates participating gathered row after row in front of the immense stage, which routinely hosts famous musicians and entertainers.
For the graduates dressed in their commencement regalia and brightly–decorated caps, reaching the academic finish line on this day was the culmination of years of hard work, long hours of study, attending lectures, completing assignments and numerous sleepless nights.
The Class of 2026 was comprised of 872 students, between the ages of 17 to 71, who were awarded more than 900 associate degrees and certificates. Associate degrees were also conferred upon 47 high school seniors from Absegami, Cedar Creek, Oakcrest, Lower Cape May Regional, Middle Township and Pleasantville high schools who took part in Atlantic Cape’s Early College Program.
In her final Commencement ceremony as president of Atlantic Cape prior to her June 30th retirement, Dr. Barbara Gaba, who was joined on stage by members of the College’s Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, President’s cabinet, faculty and dual enrollment partners, joyfully welcomed all in attendance to the Commencement festivities and commended each graduate on their tremendous accomplishments.
“Graduates, we are so proud of you. To get here today, many of you have had to overcome challenges and figured out ways to make the most of the hand that life has dealt you. Many of you may have dealt with illness, mental health issues, caring for sick loved ones and raising a family, just a few of the unbelievable and unexpected obstacles that this class had to overcome to make it here today. Through it all your determination has shown through and it has brought you to the finish line here today. You continue to inspire all of us by your tenacity, persistence and resilience. After the years of hard work and long nights, you are graduating today, so soak it in, you did it!
“Amongst our graduates here today are nurses, health care professionals, biomedical scientists, chefs, business leaders and entrepreneurs, air traffic controllers, airplane and drone pilots, future computer programmers and cybersecurity specialists and teachers. We don't know where the world is going take us, particularly with the introduction of A.I., but we know that your education at Atlantic Cape has given you a foundation to think critically, be flexible, and to adapt to the world that's coming. I have so much hope for our community and confidence in our future because I have seen the incredible things that our graduates have accomplished. You have the qualifications to be successful, and I know that if you believe in yourself, in your skills and your ability to persevere, then you will be successful.”
Keynote speaker Jacquelyn Suarez, commissioner, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to let their dreams take flight, despite impossible odds that may stand in their way. Like the honeybee, with its anatomically–challenged design, that overcomes its shortfalls to fly and serve a purpose, Suarez implored all of the graduates to defy the naysayers and make a positive difference.
“When I stood where you are today, on the brink of college graduation, I remember feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment and a tingling of excitement that life was full of possibility and promise. I dreamt of making a positive difference in my home state of New Jersey. In that moment, I felt as if my dreams could truly take flight. So, the lesson of the honeybee analogy is to let your dreams take flight, even when people tell you that it's impossible. If honeybees can defy scientists' expectations, you can too.
“Self-belief is having unwavering confidence in your abilities and strengths. To be brave enough to face fear and uncertainty, making you steadfast in finding solutions to challenges. Against all scientific naysayers, honeybees found a way to achieve flight. They adapted, which is nature's way of problem solving. So, be a problem solver. Be flexible, resilient and resourceful so that you can contribute to the good of the community.”
Outgoing Student Government Association (SGA) President Clive Morgan implored his fellow graduates to create their own futures, write their own story and not let anyone or anything stand in their way from reaching their goals.
“Many of us were handed expectations that tried to limit us. Some were told that we could not be. Some were underestimated. Some faced financial struggles and personal battles where giving up felt easier than pushing forward. We are not defined by the barriers placed before us; we are defined by how we choose to rise above them.
“We are stepping into a world that is constantly changing, demanding more and challenging us to adapt. And, in that world we are faced with new expectations and new uncertainties. Do not let doubt silence your voice. Do not let anyone define you. Instead, define the odds for yourself, set your own standards, create your own vision, and shape a future that reflects who you truly are and what you are capable of becoming.”
Jake Harris was chosen as the Class of 2026’s 4.0 honors student representative, a class that featured 27 4.0 students. Harris thanked numerous professors for believing in him, his fellow classmates for seeing the leader within him and the connections he made that turned into long–lasting friendships.
“Genuine connections shape people. I want to emphasize on the word ‘genuine.’ Don't be fake because people see through it. True connections leave a positive mark and my time at Atlantic Cape is proof of that. Treat others the way you want to be treated. When we live by that rule, we don't just form genuine connections, we make the world around us a little better and right now, the world could really use that.
“My fellow graduates, as we move forward from here today, I want you to do three things: be humble, be genuine and do not let that fire go out. The fire that pushed you through every late night, every hard exam and every moment you almost gave up, that fire brought you here. Do not leave it in this room. The world we are walking into needs people who lead with intention, who treat others with respect and who show up genuinely for those around them. The knowledge we have gained will open doors, but it's the connections we have made that will walk us through them. Congratulations to the Class of 2026.”
The Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Augustine Nigro, professor of History & Government, and chairperson, Arts and Humanities Department. Dr. Nigro has served the College and its students for the past 20 years. He became an associate professor in 2015 and earned the rank of professor in 2021.
“It has been my honor and pleasure to serve you and the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties, providing opportunities for students to attain their education and their career goals. I believe in Atlantic Cape. I believe in the work we do every single day, and I believe that you students who are graduating today will be out there spreading the word about the College and will be role models for people in your community. Congratulations to the Class of 2026,” concluded Gaba.
View a photo gallery of the 2026 Commencement ceremony on Flickr in the coming days here.
Visit atlanticcape.edu/graduation to download a copy of the Commencement program, read Graduate Spotlights and more.
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About Atlantic Cape Community College
Established in 1964, Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States-accredited, Hispanic-serving institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs and 34 certificate and workforce development professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City, and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and to its highly acclaimed Nursing program for more than 60 years. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
