May 22, 2003, Bloomfield, NJ – Despite cloudy skies and drizzle, Mother Nature couldn’t dampen the spirits of Bloomfield College’s Class of 2003. A total of 226 enthusiastic students participated in Bloomfield College’s 130th Commencement exercises on May 22 and received their bachelor’s degree.
Honorary doctorates were awarded to Terrence and Faye Zealand, co-founders and executive directors of the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children (ARFC) in Newark, and Bloomfield College President John F. Noonan, who completes a 16-year term as president on May 30. This was the first Bloomfield College Commencement ceremony attended by President-elect Rich Levao, who takes office on June 2.
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Choose below for photo galleries of this year's events: -Commencement Ceremony: One
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The Senior Address was delivered by Creative Arts & Technology (CAT) major Tom Toynton, who graduated summa cum laude. Toynton, who was recently diagnosed with a rare, malignant bone cancer called Chordoma, spoke about the incredible spirit of community at Bloomfield College and how it has helped him.
“The most important lesson learned here at Bloomfield College is the value of community – of reaching out and helping others, whether they be family, friends, or people you hardly know, even strangers,” said Toynton. “It is compassion, willingness and passion for helping others that makes us valuable contributors to society.”
Founded in 1868 as a Presbyterian seminary, Bloomfield College has
renewed itself to meet the changing needs of the community. The College has
earned national recognition for its innovative, high quality academic and
co-curricular programs and for its commitment to serve students from all
backgrounds, particularly those who have traditionally been excluded from
higher education. Its mission is to prepare students to attain academic,
personal and professional excellence in a multicultural and global society.
