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Student raising arm while receive their diploma during graduation.

2026 Commencement

Your Moment. Your Milestone.

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Atlantic Cape’s 59th Annual Commencement Ceremony was held on May 21, 2026, 10:30 a.m. at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City.

Student raising their diploma in the air on stage.

Maybe your journey to get here was long and filled with unexpected barriers. You may have had to overcome obstacles, learning grace and courage along the way. In the process, we hope you learned to balance life and all that comes with it. Your hard work and dedication are awe-inspiring.

The faculty, staff and administrators here at Atlantic Cape have been proud to walk alongside you during your time here. And now, we're overjoyed to cheer you on as you move on to the next phase in your life. We're grateful you made Atlantic Cape a part of your journey. Every one of you has written a chapter in your lives that shows you can adjust, persevere, grow, and make a positive difference in your own lives and the lives of others. These strengths of character will motivate you onwards to your future successes that we know you will accomplish.

Recaps & Photos

Read the press releases and view official photo galleries that captured the unforgettable highlights from our 59th Annual Commencement ceremony, alongside the dedicated celebrations for our Nursing, Academy of Culinary Arts and Radiologic Technology graduates.

Meet Our 2026 Graduates

Graduate Spotlights

At Atlantic Cape, our graduates have an inspiring story to tell. Behind every face there is a tale of perseverance, motivation, intelligence and courage waiting to be heard.

Read Our 2026 Graduate Stories

Ceremony Information

This year's 59th Annual Commencement ceremony included remarks from Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba, keynote speaker Jacquelyn A. Suárez, Student Government Association President Clive Morgan and class farewell by 4.0 High Honors Student Jake Harris.

Commencement Speaker

Jacquelyn A. Suárez headshotJacquelyn A. Suárez
Commissioner, Department of Community Affairs (DCA)

Jacquelyn A. Suárez was appointed Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) 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 Jacquelyn A. Suárez's Biography

About the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award

Atlantic Cape presents the Lindback Award to strong teachers who have contributed significantly to the education of our students. The honoree is a person we can hold up as a role model, a person who stands out, whose accessibility to students, high standards, and openness to new ideas and new ways of teaching stand as a shining example for others in our community of scholars.

The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation of Philadelphia endows the award, which recognizes outstanding teachers at certain colleges and universities in southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. The award, in existence more than 40 years, comes with a stipend of $4,000. Atlantic Cape Community College was honored to be added to the list of institutions to award the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award in 2001.

Winners of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award include:

  • 2026 Dr. Augustine Nigro, professor, History and Government
  • 2023 Stephanie Natale–Boianelli, professor, English
  • 2020 Richard Russell, assistant professor, English
  • 2017 Rita Michalenko, associate professor, Art
  • 2014 Marty Marino, professor, Social Sciences
  • 2013 Amy Shelton, associate professor, Mathematics
  • 2011 Cheryl Knowles Harrigan, assistant professor, Art
  • 2009 Donna Vassallo, assistant professor, Hospitality
  • 2008 Christina Cavage, associate professor, English as a Second Language
  • 2007 Marilyn Malerba Keiner, associate professor, Paralegal Studies
  • 2006 Ethel "Effie" Russell, professor, English
  • 2005 Dr. Louise Kaplan, professor, Anthropology and Bioethics
  • 2004 Richard Benner, assistant professor of Philosophy and Religion
  • 2003 Donna Albano, assistant professor of Hospitality Management
  • 2002 Regina Van Epps, assistant professor of English

Stay Connected. Stay Inspired. Join the Atlantic Cape Alumni Association!

As an Atlantic Cape graduate, you are part of a proud community of leaders, professionals, and lifelong learners making a difference across our region and beyond. The Atlantic Cape Alumni Association keeps you connected to your alma mater and to fellow graduates through networking opportunities, professional development, campus events, and exclusive alumni benefits.

Whether you’re looking to grow your career, give back, mentor future students, or simply reconnect with classmates, the Alumni Association offers meaningful ways to stay engaged and involved.

Celebrate your achievements. Strengthen your network. Continue your Atlantic Cape journey.

Stay Connected

Have Questions?

We're here to help.

Office of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
(609) 343-5083.

For information regarding your degree audit, diploma and transcript - please contact Enrollment Services- Office of the Registrar:
(609) 625-1111 ext. 5644 or register@atlanticcape.edu

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