Graduates from 33 states, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico, earned degrees at a ceremony at the Sun National Bank Center.
TRENTON -- Thomas Edison State University celebrated its first graduation ceremony as a university Saturday, with over 550 graduates receiving their degrees.
The school - formerly Thomas Edison State College - was founded in 1972 and announced earlier this year it had achieved university status.
On Saturday, graduates from 33 states, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico, gathered at the Sun National Bank Center in Trenton for the first commencement as a university.
During the ceremony, the university honored Marcie C. Jannetti, of Lakewood, who received a master's in nursing, as Thomas Edison's 50,000 graduate.
Graduate Ashley Pianko, of Kenilworth, gave the response address on behalf of her fellow graduates.
Honorary degrees were bestowed on New Jersey State Secretary of Higher Education Rochelle R. Hendricks and University of South Africa professor and vice chancellor Mandla Makhanya.
Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman.
