Welcome to the 2010 commencement ceremony of New Jersey Institute of Technology. The university extends heartfelt congratulations to its graduates on their accomplishment and commends the families and friends who have helped them reach this milestone of academic achievement.

By definition, commencement means “to begin to be.” As the members of the Class of 2010 begin to be, we wish them every success, confident that they have been well prepared for a life of contribution in the 21st century, to meet its challenges and embrace its myriad opportunities. Well done!

Read the program (.pdf)

Kim Guadagno Lieutenant Governor State of New Jersey Doctor of Humane Letters Commencement Speaker	Ralph Izzo, PhD Chairman of the Board Chief Executive Officer and President Public Service Enterprise Group, Incorporated Doctor of Science	Leon Smith, MD, MACP Past Chairman Department of Medicine Saint Michael’s Medical Center Doctor of Science

• Past Honorary Degree Recipients

Good morning and welcome to NJIT Commencement 2010. It is a special pleasure this year to welcome New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, who will receive an honorary doctorate and deliver the 2010 Commencement Address later in the ceremonies.

Among life’s milestones, Commencement is an exceptional day for many people. Above all, it is a day that celebrates the commitment and tireless efforts of all those who will soon receive their degrees. Congratulations to you for what you have accomplished as students at NJIT.

Commencement is also an occasion to acknowledge family and friends whose support has contributed greatly to your success. Please join me in warmly applauding those who have helped to guide you along the often challenging path to this important day.

Read full remarks.

The New Jersey Institute of Technology that we know today has a rich history with its beginnings developing from the industrial age. The first class, mostly evening students, attended classes in a rented building at 21 West Park Street. Soon the facility became inadequate to house an expanding student body. To meet the needs of the growing school, a second fundraiser; the institution's first capital campaign,  was launched to support the construction of a dedicated building for Newark Technical School. The college awarded its first bachelor's degrees in 1923; a total of three in chemical engineering, three in electrical engineering, and four in mechanical engineering.

Today, with its four-pronged mission of education, research, service and economic development, the university plays a critical role in shaping New Jersey's future. As a major public technological university, NJIT is an important conduit through which technology flows into society. University researchers seek new knowledge to improve processes and products for industry. Through public and private partnerships and economic development efforts, the university helps to grow new business ventures that fuel the economy. NJIT's research program is among the fastest-growing in the nation and ranks among the top ten technological universities in the nation for research expenditures.

• NJIT's Alma Mater
• Visit President Robert Altenkirch's website
• Read more of NJIT's history
• Visit the 125th Anniversary website.