April 28, 2023
Internationally renowned expert on happiness studies Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., will address the graduates at the University’s 148th commencement on May 6.
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — April 28, 2023 — Centenary University will hold its 148th commencement in a series of outdoor ceremonies to celebrate the Class of 2023. Three in-person ceremonies are scheduled on campus:
- Wed., May 3, 6 pm—Hooding ceremony and commencement for master and doctoral students
- Sat., May 6, 9 am—Bachelor of Science and Associate of Science degree recipients
- Sat., May 6, 1 pm—Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, and Associate of Arts degree recipients
Valedictorian of the Class of 2023 is Skyle Verry of South Bound Brook, who will deliver the valedictory address at both May 6 undergraduate commencement ceremonies. Verry will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Management and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, as well as a minor in law and government. Jessica L. Garcia Torres of Dover, who earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership: Special Education Certification, will be recognized with the University’s prestigious Alyce Hunter Dissertation Award at the May 3 hooding ceremony/commencement for master’s and doctoral graduates. In addition, the University has presented Gregory Somjen of Succasunna with the Red Knot Award, which acknowledges the graduating transfer student with the highest grade point average. Somjen will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Internationally renowned expert on happiness studies Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., will deliver the commencement address. Co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy, he is director of Centenary University’s Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, the world’s first advanced degree in the field. He achieved national recognition two decades ago when he taught one of Harvard University’s most popular classes, on happiness. Since then, he has also taught at Columbia University, written several best-selling books on the subject, and appeared on major media as a happiness studies expert including The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, CNN, the BBC, and Today on NBC. He was recently featured in a special Time section unpacking the secrets of achieving happiness in daily life.
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township.