TCNJ graduates urged to be 'passionate, dedicated' about causes (PHOTOS)

EWING -- The College of New Jersey's president called on the more than 2,000 graduating students to continue being passionate, tireless and dedicated to causes larger than themselves.

"As future leaders, I challenge you to be stewards of civility in the face of disagreement," President R. Barbara Gitenstein said during Thursday's ceremony. "Advocacy is not merely to have your say; it is to accomplish change -- that requires speaking and listening, commitment and flexibility, pride and humility.

"Graduates, as you enter this new phase, I wish for you a life of promise and influence, and the courage to base decisions on your convictions, guided by both your heart and your mind," she continued.

In total, 1,693 undergraduates and 363 graduate students received degrees.

Geralyn Altmiller, an associate professor of nursing chosen as the faculty speaker, focused her remarks around values.

"Thinking about our values allows us to be mindful of what we really care about, focus on what we really care about, defend what we really care about and it gives us purpose and drive for the future," she said.

"When we think about our values and what makes us want to work in the field we choose, it's about connecting our head to our heart -- doing work that we can see value in."

Megan Vanslot, the senior class president, told her peers that they've run a race that they should be proud of.

"Together, we stand at the finish line, undergrad careers behind us, ready to conquer new challenges and accomplish new goals," she said.

She urged them to go out into the world with purpose.

"Because as much as this graduation is about us, it really isn't about us," she said.

"It's about the world that we're living in, and how we have been equipped to go out and make it better. It's about who we're going to be in our future circles of influence in order to make changes, inspire and love our neighbors better. It's about turning the focus away from ourselves and onto the things that truly matter."

So, what's next for the Class of 2017?

While some are continuing their education, others are joining the Peace Corps, teaching abroad or taking on positions at companies like Amazon, AT&T, Bank of America, Bloomberg, Facebook, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Prudential.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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