MAYS LANDING — Members of the Atlantic Cape Community College Class of 2026 got a jump start on graduation preparations as they gathered for a day of camaraderie, celebration and entertainment at the Annual Graduation Fair on April 30 at the Mays Landing campus.
Inside the Student Center, the rising graduates picked up their cap and gowns, and adorned their traditional headpieces with personalized decorations; took formal and informal photographs in full graduation regalia and casual attire; met with various College departments to finalize graduation odds and ends; spoke with Alumni Association representatives about remaining in-touch with the College following graduation and with four-year universities like Rutgers about transfer opportunities; and, of course, enjoyed free food, snacks, desserts, beverages, live musical entertainment and cake as well.
The highlight of the afternoon was the Graduation Toast as students raised their glasses of sparkling cider to acknowledge the successes and accomplishments of the Class of 2026. Those in attendance surprised Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba with a rousing congratulatory sendoff as she prepares to retire at the end of June. Following the toast a ceremonial balloon drop, complete with various prizes contained within 20 of the balloons, capped off the festivities.
Student Government Association President and rising graduate Clive Morgan saluted his fellow classmates with an inspirational speech prior to leading the Graduation Toast.
“Today we recognize how far we've come. From the late nights, the sacrifices, the growth and the moments we doubted ourselves, but kept going anyway. We couldn't have done it by ourselves. To our professors, mentors, and everyone who supported us, thank you for pushing us, challenging us and believing in us,” said Morgan. “To my fellow graduates, this is just the beginning. We are walking into the future full of opportunities, responsibilities and impact. Let's not just chase success; let's define it for ourselves. We are not just earning a degree, we have built resilience, discipline and a mindset that no one can take from us. Cheers to growth, resilience, and to the journey that shaped us and to everything we're about to become.”
Several students won exciting raffle prizes including a free graduation cap and gown package, gift baskets full of Atlantic Cape swag and goodies, and gift certificates as well.
This event was sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Atlantic Cape Alumni Association.
The 59th Annual Commencement ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 21, 10:30 a.m. at Ocean Casino Resort’s Ovation Hall in Atlantic City. This year’s commencement keynote address will be delivered by Jacquelyn Suarez, commissioner, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
Suárez was appointed commissioner on September 18, 2023. She oversees a $2.152 billion budget and more than 1,000 employees, leading efforts to expand affordable housing, end veteran homelessness, and strengthen shared services and homeownership opportunities.
View a photo gallery of this event on Flickr here.
For more information on Commencement 2026, how to view the proceedings via our live stream, how to share a Graduate Spotlight story with us, additional ceremony information, FAQs and much more, visit atlanticcape.edu/graduation.
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 50 undergraduate degree programs, and 34 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. 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.
