SCCC students close one chapter of life, open another

Newton - Every chapter of life has a beginning and an ending, times of trial, success and failure. For 356 graduates of Sussex County Community College, the accomplishments and closing of a chapter in their lives was celebrated on May 18 at the SCCC Commencement Ceremony. Martha Hughes, an Assistant Professor of the Board of Environmental Science at SCCC, led the processional in the Lakeland Bank Pavilion on the Conner Green as the Grand Marshal. Dr. Eleanor Carducci, an English professor at SCCC, spoke to the graduates on behalf of the faculty with words of encouragement and wisdom. “Life is a series of growing events - we are emerging creatures,” Carducci said. “Life does not come instantly. Be patient with your continued growth and nurture each day as you blossom steadily into the person and professional you were meant to be.” Graduates Laura Meade, receiving an Associate of Arts in elementary education, and Tara McGovern, receiving an Associate of Arts in English, spoke for the student body. “Take every opportunity given to you and go for it,” said Meade. McGovern, reinforcing the graduates’ educational accomplishments, repeated what her father once told her: “There is only one thing in this world that no one will be able to take from you. This is your education, You alone have to earn it, but once you do, it’s your forever.” Thomas A. Oakley, the keynote speaker, told the graduates that they really can go anywhere, just as The Sussex County Community College slogan proclaims. Oakley is the president and CEO of Quincy Newspapers Inc. and the fourth generation of his family to have worked for the company. Quincy Newspapers Inc. owns and administrates two papers, including the New Jersey Herald, Inc., two radio stations, and 11 television stations. The evening came to a close with the presentation and awarding of degrees and certificates by Dr. Brad Gottfried, president of SCCC, and William Waite, Dean of Business, Technology, and Law.