Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who has won national attention as a fervent community activist who is determined to bring reform to Newark, urged the graduates at the University’s 184th commencement on May 15 to speak out against injustice and serve as an inspiration to others.

"Stand up. Because the world needs you.  It needs your uniqueness, it needs your honor, it needs your love," said Booker.  "Stand up so that other people are inspired to stand with you."

Booker, who won the office of mayor in 2006, told the 1,831 bachelor’s degree recipients and an overflow crowd of family and friends gathered on Wightman Field, about the lessons he learned from dedicated community leaders in Newark, and his struggles to help fight drugs and crime and bring improvements to one of the nation’s poorest communities.  In recognition of his commitment “to finding real solutions no matter how difficult the effort required,” the Board of Trustees awarded Booker an honorary doctor of laws degree.

Robert Taylor, Chair of the University's Board of Trustees, with Newark Mayor Booker, and President Arnold Speert

Sonia Rosado, a Passaic County freeholder who served on the William Paterson University Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2006, also received an honorary doctor of laws degree in recognition of her more than 25 years of “dedicated, accomplished experience in education and government service.”

Laura Weinstein, a summa cum laude graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics who had a successful career as a mid-level manager before deciding to become a teacher, was selected by the administration to speak on behalf of the Class of 2007.  “I believe the world needs people who value self-improvement, people who have enough determination to overcome difficulties; people who have integrity, ideas, and the courage to act on them,” she said.  “Today begins a new chapter of history:  one that will be written by our passions and actions.  Take a good look at all the individuals around you and see in them the heroes of tomorrow.”

Sonia Rosado, President Arnold Speert, and Cory Booker

President Arnold Speert encouraged the graduates to recognize their individual accomplishments.  “Today is your commencement day,” he said.  “It is the celebration of what you have accomplished and of the potential that each of you has to impact the lives of the few around you and the many you will encounter.”

He urged the graduates to focus on ways to improve life for others. “Each of you can be noble,” Speert continued.  “Each of you can be creative.  Each of you can be essential to progress, to understanding, to success.  That is the meaning of today’s celebration.”

Leslie Agard-Jones

At the graduate commencement ceremony later in the day under a tent at 1600 Valley Road, 334 students were awarded master’s degrees.  Leslie Agard-Jones, dean of the College of Education, who is stepping down from his position as dean and taking a sabbatical, gave the commencement address; Lakeisha Brooks, the president of the Graduate Student Organization, who received a master’s degree in public policy and international affairs, also addressed the graduates. “You have acquired the knowledge and skills that can be used to change the environment around you,” said Agard-Jones.  “You can make a difference…the real test of the quality of your education and your commitment to learning will be demonstrated in how you used the knowledge you have acquired throughout your lifetime.”