Find your path to success with a diverse range of more than 120 degree, certificate, and continuing education programs.
Bergen Community College Commencement 2026 took place at the Prudential Center on May 15.
NEWARK, N.J. – Nearly 1,100 members of the Bergen Community College class of 2026 rocked the Prudential Center during the institution’s 57th annual commencement exercises on May 15. Joined by thousands of faculty, staff, family, friends and special guests, the class featured students such as valedictorian Alexie Kotfisz. During her remarks, she encouraged her peers to follow their hearts – even if it means making difficult choices along the way, as she did.
“Standing here today proves that our circumstances may challenge us, but they do not have to define our limits,” she said. “There is no ideal path. So, listen to yourself, give yourself grace and learn from every setback.”
Kotfisz entered the College expecting to pursue a career in the culinary arts after earning acclaim as a top high school pastry chef. However, enrolling at Bergen unlocked another interest – mathematics – that ultimately inspired her to change her entire professional outlook. At Bergen, Kotfisz earned a 4.0 and remained active in numerous on campus organizations. She will transfer to Ramapo University with a full scholarship to prepare to enter the field of mathematics education.
Graduates Sienna Jorge and Liam Setti also had featured roles during the ceremony, with Jorge performing the Star-Spangled Banner and Setti, the Student Government Association president, leading the graduates in the ceremonial turning of cap tassels after providing remarks. The class featured 66 students who have earned 4.0 GPAs, 15 members of the College’s Turning Point Program for neurodiverse adults and 206 local high school students who earned degrees through Bergen’s early college program.
Special guests included State Assemblywoman Lisa Swain (D-38), who served as the keynote speaker. She discussed the “power of one.”
“Be good, be kind, be creative, be giving, follow your passions, and remember, it’s one step at a time,” she said. “Today is not your finish line, but your starting one.”
Board of Trustees Chair Dorothy Blakeslee, President Eric M. Friedman, Ph.D., Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III and Bergen County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Tracy Zur also provided remarks, while Professor Emerita Sarah Markgraf, Ph.D., opened the event as the grand marshal. Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Andrew Tomko, Ph.D., served as master of ceremonies.
In a commencement tradition sponsored by donors to the Bergen Community College Foundation, eight randomly selected graduates received “send-off” scholarships to help begin their journey beyond Bergen. For the second consecutive year, Bergen Assistant Director of Information Technology Business Operations Kirsten Perino and her family foundation sponsored five $1,000 scholarships, with the College Foundation sponsoring a sixth $1,000 award and President Friedman sponsoring a seventh. A pair of anonymous donors sponsored a $500 scholarship in memory of Bergen Office of Specialized Services staff member Tiana Vega, and Daniel Vida, the son of Dean of Enrollment Services Peter Vida. Graduates Ivanna Mariela Caballero, Marylu Duran, Anya Magdalena Cornine, Nicole Alexandra Hernandez, Sierra Lee, Jocelyn Ortiz, Keondrya Melanie Pineda and Shawn-Anton Flenn Stretferdt Jr. each had their name randomly selected.
For the first time in Bergen history, the institution’s signature event to celebrate its graduates took place in the state’s largest city at the home of the New Jersey Devils. Bergen’s commencement venue for the last nine years, MetLife Stadium, could not accommodate this year’s event due to the venue’s 2026 World Cup obligations.
Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 24,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.
# # #