photos courtesy of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
East Rutherford NJ, under the bright lights of MetLife Stadium, Bergen Community College celebrated a milestone moment on May 13, 2025, with a record turnout for its 56th annual commencement ceremony. Nearly 1,100 graduates walked the stage, cheered on by 7,000+ guests including family, friends, faculty, and dignitaries.
When including December and anticipated August graduates, the Class of 2025 will total over 2,000 — the largest in Bergen’s proud history.
???? Valedictorian Francesco Maneri: “Kindness Comes First”
Valedictorian Francesco Maneri delivered a powerful message to his fellow graduates, emphasizing empathy and collaboration above all.
“In life, skill is second … kindness is first,” Maneri said. “Learning is richest in collaboration. The best of us lift others up rather than leave them behind.”
???? Highlights from the Class of 2025
The diversity of the graduating class was on full display, featuring:
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Members of Bergen’s Turning Point Program for adults with intellectual disabilities
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Local dual enrollment high school students earning college degrees
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71-year-old Nicholas Gatti, a retired executive chef and kidney disease survivor
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Erica Faye Tubera, who gave a stirring performance of the Star-Spangled Banner
????️ Keynote by Howard Haughton: “Find Your True North”
Howard Haughton, Bergen alumnus and CEO of Eva’s Village, delivered the keynote address, encouraging graduates to pursue careers with heart:
“Stay true to your values and your passion… Work done out of dedication and deep personal commitment will always reward you.”
Joining Haughton on stage were:
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Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III
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Bergen County Commissioner Chair Mary Amoroso
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Grand Marshal Charles McNerney, Ph.D.
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Provost Andrew Tomko, Ph.D., who served as master of ceremonies
???? Send-Off Scholarships: A Bergen Commencement Tradition
To close the celebration, Bergen awarded ten $1,000 “send-off scholarships” to randomly selected graduates, supported by generous donors.
Five scholarships came from the Perino Family Foundation, represented by Kirsten Perino, Assistant Director of IT Business Operations:
“Supporting education – and our students – is the best investment you can make,” Perino said.
Winners included:
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Roy Hidalgo-Ruiz
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Valerie Leanette Orozco
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Isidro Pablo Alvelo
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Luisa Jimenez
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Miguel Borstel Silva
Inspired by the moment, platform guests spontaneously announced their own scholarship contributions:
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President Eric M. Friedman, Ph.D.
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VP of Student Affairs AJ Trump, Ed.D.
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Trustee Howard Haughton
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Provost Andrew Tomko, Ph.D.
Additional scholarship winners were:
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Morelia Julissa Rosales
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Gabriella Carlucci
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Daniel A. Gallegos
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Austin Peluso
???? A Day to Remember
Bergen Community College’s 2025 Commencement wasn’t just a graduation — it was a celebration of resilience, unity, and a bright future. From powerful speeches to surprise scholarships, the event truly honored the hard work and dreams of its graduates.
Congratulations to the Bergen Class of 2025!
