Rutherford, NJ — Felician University hosted its 62nd Commencement Ceremony at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this past Thursday, May 21, celebrating the hard work and achievements of more than 500 graduates across the School of Business and Information Sciences, Nursing, Arts & Sciences, and Education.

Vitaly Vargas, Salutatorian and recipient of a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Psychology, kicked off the ceremony by inviting everyone to join the invocation prayer, asking God to instill the Felician values of compassion, transformation, and peace within each graduate as they take the next step in their professional journey.

Mark D. Sparta, Chief Operating Officer of Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), was chosen as this year’s commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient. Having earned three decades of experience as a leader in innovation and strategic growth, Sparta served as an exemplary figure who could inspire each graduate to pursue self-exploration and discover what it means to be a leader in their own lives. “Leadership requires us to have faith in ourselves. It requires us to find solutions, to be bold, and to be accountable. It’s what we expect in our leaders,” said Sparta.

The honor of Valedictorian was awarded to Matthew Greenway, an international student from the United Kingdom, who received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Throughout his time at Felician, Greenway faced the uncertainty of being alone in a country far away from his family, something most international students can relate to. His speech encouraged all, no matter who they were, to embrace the unknowingness of the future and view it as something to be excited about, rather than feared.

“As you step into what’s next, carry this truth with you: Felician will always be your home.” Said President Mildred Mihlon. “You carry its spirit in every decision you make, every life you touch, every injustice you challenge. You were shaped here, not only as students, but as leaders, healers, and peacemakers. Now the world needs what this community helped cultivate in you.”

By The Numbers: Class of 2026

• Total Number of Graduates: 521
  • School of Arts and Sciences: 173
    • Undergraduates: 140
    • Master of Arts
      • Counseling Psychology: 20
      • Religious Studies: 2
    • Doctor of Counseling Psychology: 11
  • School of Business and Information Sciences: 100
    • Undergraduates: 67
    • Master of Business Administration/Master of Science: 29
    • Doctor of Business Administration: 4
  • School of Education: 51
    • Undergraduates: 16
    • Master of Arts in Education: 35
  • School of Nursing: 197
    • Undergraduates: 185
    • Master of Science in Nursing: 9
    • Doctor of Nursing Practice: 4
• Veterans: 13
• Active-Duty: 2
• Honors Graduates: 156

Commencement Recap Video: Click Here

Baccalaureate Mass Video: Click Here

Full Livestream of the Ceremony: Click Here

View the official program: Click Here

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Felician University is committed to supporting academic success at any stage of life. With over 2,700 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students enrolled across the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education, Felician provides diverse learning experiences that equip all students with the skills to meet the demands of today’s society. Over the past five years, Felician University has consistently ranked 3rd among private institutions in New Jersey for best value according to payscale.com and has been recognized as the #1 Safest College Campus in New Jersey according to niche.com. Our Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. We are proud to be designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the thirteenth year, a testament to our dedicated support of Veteran students. Our diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), with underrepresented students comprising more than half of the student population, reflects our inclusive and supportive environment. With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, our Franciscan values of respect for human dignity, compassion, and social justice are woven into the very foundation and development of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University is proudly sponsored by Felician Sisters International (FSI). For more information, please visit https://felician.edu.