BOONTON — Widener University conferred degrees to more than 1,100 graduates in a ceremony Friday, May 17. Commencement was held at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.
The commencement speaker was former U.S. Congressman and past Under Secretary of the U.S. Army Patrick Murphy, a veteran, Widener alumnus and member of the Widener University Board of Trustees.
In his speech, Murphy focused on three principles: find a purpose, trust the process, and give back.
“When you live a purpose-driven life, when you trust the process, when you show up and give back, even in the face of intense challenges, you too can make a difference in this world,” he said.
The graduates also heard from Iman Elkhashab who was selected as the President’s Award recipient and served as the student speaker.
In her speech, Elkhashab shared her personal story of struggle and perseverance that she experienced growing up in Egypt during the time of the revolution. The tumultuous environment taught Elkhashab, now of Broomall, Pennsylvania, that each individual has the capacity to conquer and grow from challenges encountered.
The graduates hailed from 36 states and 11 other countries, including China, Netherlands, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The youngest graduate was 20 years old, while the oldest was 67. They included Boonton resident Ian Nordfors. Nordfors graduated with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Widener’s School of Engineering. He is also a 2014 Graduate of Mountain Lakes High School.
Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, leadership development and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener comprises seven schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional curricula leading to associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Visit the university website by clicking here.
