May 8, 2023

Gregory Somjen of Succasunna overcomes obstacles to earn a perfect 4.0 grade point average—the highest among Class of 2023 transfer students.

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, May 8, 2023 — Succasunna resident Gregory Somjen almost didn’t graduate from high school. Delinquency, poor grades, and other issues precluded any thoughts about attending a four-year college. After one lackluster semester at community college, Somjen enlisted in the US Marine Corps, excelling for several years before anxiety and stress ended his military career.

Twelve years after leaving the military, Somjen graduated from Centenary University on May 6 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. He was awarded the University’s Red Knot Award, which recognizes the graduating transfer student with the highest grade point average. Somjen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

The Marine Corps veteran was invited to share his life experiences in an address at the recent Centenary University Academic Awards Ceremony. Reflecting on the time since he left the military, Somjen said, “Many of those years were spent reliving and ruminating on those experiences, questioning my worth… My presence before you now is proof that the mistakes we make, traumas we suffer, or other influential experiences we have may shape who we become, but they do not define us.”

Despite his difficulties in high school, Somjen’s military career began with great promise. After his first deployment in Iraq, he graduated from an Infantry Squad Leaders’ Course with honors and later was distinguished as the class honor graduate from Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, one of the military’s most challenging courses. Along the way, he also earned several promotions. “I left EOD school confidently,” Somjen recalled. But soon, stress began to build: “Subtle changes occurred over the next few months at my new duty station. I became distracted, anxious, lonely, and unmotivated. Personal and professional stresses overwhelmed me.”

Several months later, Somjen left the military without a plan for the rest of his life. In the following years, he drifted toward jobs requiring minimal responsibility and neglected meaningful relationships. But then, the desire to change his life slowly began to build. With the support of family and friends, three years ago Somjen reached out to discuss enrolling at Centenary University with Director of Veteran Services Margie Pavlichko. They spoke extensively about his options, and he ultimately decided to apply for admission. “I would not be here without Margie,” Somjen said. “She was the first one at the University I had contact with. I remember being overcome with emotion by her enthusiasm and willingness to help me change my life. I was full of hope. I will be eternally grateful for her dedication to improving the lives of our nation’s veterans.”

Today, Somjen has a new outlook on his future:

I began my scholarship at Centenary University thinking I did not belong here as a 30-something veteran. I can tell you today that I was wrong. Everyone at Centenary was incredibly supportive and welcoming. My beliefs and thinking were constantly challenged, while my experiences were respected and revered. Centenary has changed me for the better.

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.

Photo: Red Knot Award recipient Gregory Somjen, Centenary University Class of 2023