Tassels Turned: Middlesex College Celebrates the Accomplishments of the Class of 2024

Middlesex College leadership, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests joined graduating students and their families at Jersey Mike’s Arena at the Rutgers University campus in Piscataway to commemorate the College’s 57th Commencement.

The individuals who comprise the Class of 2024 are diverse in age, background, accomplishments and future plans. They range in age from 17 years old (with 10 graduating with an associate degree before receiving a high school diploma) to 75 years young. Ten are military veterans. Thirty are scholar-athletes who excelled in the classroom and on the field. For some, commencement is truly a family affair. Family groupings such as a parent-and-child and three sets of twins are among this year’s graduates.

With degrees in hand, many of this year’s graduates will start careers right away in a wide variety of fields, such as corrections, dental hygiene, engineering, gaming and animation, graphic design, hospitality, information technology, law enforcement, nursing, radiography, and social work, as well as many others.

Others are continuing their education at one of the many four-year institutions in the state, including Rutgers, Montclair State, Kean, NJIT, The College of New Jersey, Seton Hall and William Paterson.

“What I enjoyed the most about Middlesex is that even in the classes where it wasn’t my major, the professors were still interested and cared about my performance. I feel really glad that I am going to graduate and am excited for what happens next,” said Marlon Belton, a Computer Science major who will be attending NJIT in the fall.

Biology major Idaliz Herrera is also excited for what’s next. She is transferring to Rutgers University’s Environmental and Biological Sciences School.

“Once I transfer, I will pursue my bachelor’s in microbiology, with a possible minor in genetics. I want to work in a laboratory setting, but I am still deciding on what career will entail what I am looking for. So far, my interest lies in becoming a geneticist,” Herrera said.

First-generation student Yokasti Mateo is among those who are Ivy-League bound. The 39-year-old Perth Amboy resident will continue her studies at Columbia University with the goal of becoming a neuropsychologist. She credits Middlesex College for providing her with the tools to move forward on her educational journey.

“In addition to my effort and dedication, the faculty members have been an important part of my journey because of the way they have taught and inspired me on many occasions during lectures,” said Mateo.

Columbia University is also the destination for the Class of 2024 salutatorian Nima Sedghi, who had a particular shout-out for his mother whose “unwavering support” made graduation possible.

“My mom, especially, always pushed me to be the best version of myself, and her unconditional love and support are what pushed me to aim for the highest points,” said the aspiring doctor.

The recognition that graduation is rarely, if ever, an individual accomplishment was a constant refrain throughout the ceremony, beginning with College President Mark McCormick’s address to the Class of 2024.

“There were likely many times that you thought you might never make it, but you did. As we are all aware, nothing of any consequence comes solely from our own individual efforts. And that is especially true of something as monumental as earning a college degree. When any of us achieves something of greatness, it is almost always because others around us have supported us, encouraged us, and lifted us up. You have undoubtedly benefitted from the guidance, encouragement, and cheerleading of others,” said President Mark McCormick.

Shared success was a central theme of Class valedictorian Katherine Fallon-Reusch’s class welcome.

“My fellow graduates, you and I are the product of investments, of the belief that we have the potential to succeed,” she said to the graduating class.

Fallon-Reusch will pursue a bachelor’s in History at Rutgers this fall and eventually a master’s in Education and Library Science. She had these parting words for her fellow graduates:

“One of the beautiful things about investments is that you can take what you have been given, and in turn, invest it elsewhere. Each of us has the possibility of impacting another person for the greater good. Like all the people who have gotten us to this moment, we have the potential to change other people’s worlds for the better, whether it be through something as simple as a morning greeting, or as powerful as the introduction to the field that will change our life’s direction.”

The ceremony also featured remarks by 2024 Alumnus of Year Claudio Mir, who serves as senior program coordinator for the Collaborative Center for Community Engagement at Rutgers University.

A member of the Class of 1996 and a long-time resident of New Brunswick, Mir began his journey to the U.S. with a move from the Dominican Republic at the age of 22.

In his remarks to the Class of 2024, Mir reminded graduates of the rigor of a Middlesex College education.

“When somebody asks me about my experience at Middlesex, I usually say that it is the hardest thing I have started and finished. If you are here about to graduate, you know exactly what I mean. Once I got into the school, and started to take classes, I was hooked,” said Mir, whose educational goals grew after graduating from Middlesex College with an associate degree in Professional and Commercial Photography. He went on to earn a B.F.A. in visual arts from the Mason Gross School of the Arts and a M.F.A. in creative writing from Rutgers.

“Your two or more years at Middlesex have provided you with the tools you need to continue onto whatever path you dream of. It is up to you now. You are ready. Go out to your next school, to your job, to wherever your plans take you and do it well. Become the best advertising for others to see Middlesex as an option for them and their families. If you hear somebody speaking of the school as less than, tell them about your experience here, don’t try to convince them, but talk about how it was for you.”

The value of a Middlesex College degree as a measure of grit and perseverance was also highlighted in remarks delivered by Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.

“While it may look like a mere piece of paper, do not be fooled. Your degree is tangible proof of the academic and real-world knowledge you have gained and will take with you on the next steps of your journey. It also represents your commitment to achieving your goals, as well as the support you’ve received from your family, friends, professors, and the entire Middlesex College community,” Rios said.

Middlesex College Trustee Christine Buteas, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, congratulated the graduates for reaching this milestone day. Acknowledging the unique backgrounds of the graduates, she told graduates to focus on “personal excellence” as they embark on their next chapter.

“Amidst the clamor of societal pressures and expectations, remember to prioritize what truly matters – your family and friends, health, and career. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance, and identify promoters who will advocate for your success. These relationships are not just valuable, they are the bedrock of your journey.”

A week earlier, the College honored Chambers Award winners. The award, named for the College’s founding president, Frank Chambers, recognizes those graduates who have achieved the highest-grade point average. The 2024 award recipients are: Nancy Arias Alvarez, Naman Bagga, Brandy Calvi, Patricia Cardoso, Kenneth Chan, Joel Collado, Katherine R. Fallon-Reusch, Shehre-Banu Furniturewalla, Janice Henriquez, Oliver Hyppolite, Chandni Karppiah, Iman Khan, Qiaoyu Li, Emily Liranian, Abigail Marzan, Kimberly McGraw, Kyle Morgan, Marlayna O’Brien, Melanie Perez, Zaynab Rasheed, Lina Rojas Arango, Mercedes Rosa, Nima Sedghi, Madhurima Sen, Tessa Mariya Sinsen, Travis Wesen, and Henghui Xiao.

On an environmental note, the graduates wore eco-friendly caps and gowns made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, a tradition that began in 2022. Named GreenWeaver and manufactured by Oak Hall, the fabric is made from spun molten plastic pellets, with each gown requiring an average of 25 bottles. So, approximately 20,000 bottles were saved from landfills and the oceans by this year’s ceremony.

For more information, visit Commencement.