RUTHERFORD, N.J.— Felician University’s 62nd Annual Commencement Ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 21 at The Rink at American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ. Including associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees, more than 500 Felician University graduates are expected to receive their diplomas.

Mark D. Sparta, Chief Operating Officer of Hackensack Meridian Health, will serve as the commencement keynote speaker.

As COO, Sparta oversees system-wide operations, including hospitals, ambulatory services, clinical programs, and strategic growth. Over his three-decade career with Hackensack Meridian Health, he has held senior roles such as President of the Northern Market, Chief Hospital Executive of Hackensack University Medical Center, and Executive Vice President of Population Health.

Sparta has been recognized for his commitment to innovation and growth, advancing value-based care and patient experience initiatives. His accomplishments include helping expand ambulatory and urgent care services and playing a key role in the development of major facilities such as the Helena Theurer Pavilion.

Sparta began his career as a licensed physical therapist and rose through leadership positions, combining clinical insight with operational expertise. He holds degrees from Ithaca College and Seton Hall University and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“Mark Sparta’s career exemplifies the values of leadership, service, and innovation that we strive to instill in our graduates,” said University President Mildred Mihlon. “We are honored to welcome him as our commencement speaker as we celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026.”

Sharing Wisdom with Next Gen Leaders

“My college experience was foundational to the person I am today and served as the bridge from my family’s values to my life’s work,” Sparta said. “It gave me the tools, skills and knowledge to be a professional with a clear focus on people. And it proved what I suspected all along: a life of service is the only life worth living.”

As far as his words of wisdom to those graduating on May 21, Sparta said, “What you leave Felician with is more than knowledge—it’s a foundation of character and compassion. Never lose sight of the human connection; let that be your Northstar in finding your ‘why’—it will lead you not just to success, but to a life of purpose.”

For those who cannot attend Felician University commencement, a live stream will be available at  www.felican.edu/live. The ceremony will be recorded and uploaded to YouTube shortly after the ceremony ends.

The Baccalaureate Mass will be held on Friday, May 15 on the University’s Lodi campus.

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About Felician University

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 Money Magazine and has been recognized as one of the best college locations in New Jersey (#4) 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 and the Princeton Review. We are proud to be designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the fifteenth 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 and earned us a spot on Washington Monthly’s Top 100 HSI list (#30). 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 sponsored by Felician Sisters International.  For more information, please visit https://felician.edu.