Jennifer K. Gillen of Hazlet was named Valedictorian of Saint Peter’s College Class of 2006 at Saint Peter’s College’s 115th commencement exercises on Sunday, May 21 at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J. Gillen, a Biology major, will attend medical school in the fall. In the summer of 2004, Gillen interned at the Anesthesiology Department at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Throughout her academic career, Gillen earned numerous awards. She won a Gold Medal during her freshmen, sophomore and junior years for superior academic performance. She also earned the Biology and Chemistry awards for achievement. Gillen received the Gold Key Award from Cross Keys, an Honor Society for students who have exhibited outstanding academic achievement, superior service to the College community and character. She also received the Schuh Scholarship and Dean’s Academic Achievement Award. At commencement, Gillen received the Wassman Medal and the Smith Medal. The Wassman Medal is awarded to the graduate with the highest average in the Biology program. The Smith Medal is awarded to the Bachelor of Science graduate with the highest general average for the four-year Natural Science curriculum. The Smith Medal honors former Saint Peter’s College professor Reverend John P. Smith, S.J.
Gillen was involved in many activities on campus. She was the Vice President of the Class of 2006, President of the Irish American Club and President of the Mendel Biology Club. She was also Treasurer of Tri-Beta Honors Society, the National Biological Honor Society. Gillen was a member of the Pavo Society, Campus Ministry, and a Tenor Drummer in the City of Washington Pipe Band. Gillen is a member of the Peacock’s Swim Team and was chosen as a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) all academic team.
Saint Peter’s College is the Jesuit College of New Jersey. Founded in 1872, Saint Peter’s has an enrollment of approximately 3,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. The main campus is located in Jersey City. The College has a branch campus for adults in Englewood Cliffs, NJ and also offers courses at various corporate sites at the Jersey City waterfront and in South Amboy, NJ.