Berkeley College celebrated the perseverance and achievements of more than 1,200 diverse graduates during a commencement ceremony last week at the Prudential Center in Newark.
The average age of the Class of 2025 is 32, with 71% of the graduates age 25 or older. The graduating class included 77 military and veteran graduates, 314 international students from 34 countries, and the college’s first Master of Science in Nursing graduate.
“Graduates, today more than ever, your degree is more than a credential – it is a foundation for leadership, innovation, and meaningful impact,” said Diane Recinos, Ed.D., president of Berkeley College. “While it is important to embrace change, remember that creativity – sparked by emotional intelligence, curiosity, and the human experience – is one of our most valuable qualities. An idea can be generated with the stroke of a key, but it is creativity that drives the actions capable of creating meaningful change in our world.”
The 1,247 graduates included 235 students who earned master’s degrees, 630 students who earned bachelor’s degrees, 327 who earned an associate degree, in addition to those who earned certificates, including practical nurse certificates.
Rui Oliveira, a 2009 graduate who serves as CEO and co-CIO of BFA Asset Management and founder of Academia Santa Catarina, was honored as 2025 Alumnus of the Year.
“Stay curious, because the answer you seek may just lift a community,” said Oliveira, a resident of Luanda, Angola. “Remember, it’s not just about business. It’s not just about making money. It’s about why you do what you do. You are not just graduates now. You are bridges, so build them with empathy.”
Wanetta Vita of Newton, and Emilia Hansson, an international student from Stockholm, Sweden, were selected as the Outstanding Graduate Student Award recipient and the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award recipient, respectively.
Vita, a 14-year veteran of the nursing profession, is the college’s first Master of Science in Nursing graduate. As a family nurse practitioner, she is committed to advancing cardiovascular health and bridging healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Hansson, a former professional soccer player on the international stage, shifted her focus to business after a knee injury ended her athletic career.
Gaby Ramirez, a resident of Passaic, was selected as the 2025 Student Speaker.
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