New Jersey State Senator Benjie Wimberly had a simple message for the William
Paterson University Class of 2026: The diploma they earned isn’t a finish line — it’s a
starting point.
Wimberly (D-Paterson) delivered the keynote address at the university’s 2026
Undergraduate Commencement last week at the Prudential Center in Newark, where
more than 2,200 graduates — ranging in age from 19 to 70 — were recognized in a
ceremony that ended in a hail of orange, black and white confetti and balloons.
Wimberly, who holds a teaching certification from the school, said they’re all in it
together.
“The challenges we face today cannot be solved alone,” he said. “They require people
willing to listen. To lead. To serve. People like you. So, as you leave here today, ask
yourself: Not just ‘What will I achieve?’ but ‘Who will I become?’ And even more
importantly, ‘Who will be better because I was here?’”
Wimberly quoted the university’s namesake, New Jersey patriot and statesman William
Paterson, who wrote that without morals there can be no order, and without knowledge,
no genuine liberty.
“Those words are not just history,” he said. “They are instructions. A reminder that
knowledge without character is incomplete and that your responsibility does not end today; it begins. So go forward as Hope Keepers. Choose courage over comfort.
Choose integrity over convenience. Choose purpose over applause.”
During the ceremony, Wimberly was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters
degree in recognition of his public service, his work promoting higher education access
and affordability and his commitment to improving the lives of New Jersey residents.
New Jersey Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-9 th District), who previously held the State
Senate seat Wimberly now holds, offered her own words to the graduates.
“Go forward boldly. Dream fearlessly. Lead courageously, and never underestimate the
power of your voice, your purpose, and your potential,” she said. “The world needs your
ideas. It needs your compassion. It needs your leadership.”
University President Richard Helldobler used his address to remind the class that career
success and character are not separate goals.
“We know what kindness looks like and feels like; we know what caring for others looks
and feels like; we know what dignity and integrity look and feel like,” he said. “While I
am confident our faculty have prepared you to be successful in your career pursuits, we
above all want you to be good humans to your family, your neighbors, and those who
look, worship, and love differently than you do.”
Also recognized at the ceremony was Miki Cammarata, vice president for student
development, who received the President’s Medallion — the university’s highest honor
— as she prepares to retire in June after 12 years of service.
Three faculty members were also honored: Cyril S. Ku received the Faculty Excellence
in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Expression Award; Danielle Wallace received
the Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award; and Balmurli Natrajan received the Faculty
Excellence Award for Service.
Worth noting: The graduates hailed from 27 states and 69 countries and included 25
veterans and active service members. Approximately 50 percent are first-generation
college students, and the majority worked while earning their degrees. More than 560
graduated with Latin honors.
It was the university’s 203rd Commencement ceremony.
