JERSEY CITY, N.J. – May 21, 2026 – Graduates encouraged to lead with purpose, service and hope as they begin their next chapter
On Saturday, May 20, 2026, Saint Peter’s University celebrated its 135th Commencement Ceremony, sending forth the next generation of leaders prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities and professions.
Friends, families, faculty and alumni gathered along John F. Kennedy Boulevard as the sounds of bagpipes echoed throughout Jersey City, signaling the beginning of one of the University’s most celebrated traditions. Led by the color guard carrying the gonfalons, a sea of blue caps and gowns processed into the ceremony alongside faculty, members of the Golden Peacocks from the Class of 1976, the Alumni Board, Board of Regents, University leadership and honorary degree recipients.
The ceremony reflected the spirit of excellence, perseverance and leadership that defines the Saint Peter’s community, while also celebrating the many first-generation graduates whose journeys were shaped by determination, resilience and the support of those around them.
In his second commencement address as president of Saint Peter’s University, Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., reminded graduates of their responsibility to serve others and lead with compassion.
“You are the embodiment of the Magis,” said President Benitez. “The call to be more, to do more, and to give more of yourselves in service of others.”
“And now, as you move forward, I want to remind you of something we hold deeply in our mission: your goal is not only personal success, but making a difference in the communities you will serve one family, one life at a time. That is how real change happens. That is how hope is built.”
“In today’s world, it is more important than ever that we come together, not in division, but in solidarity; not in despair, but in the pursuit of hope. This is the essence of our Jesuit, Catholic tradition: to be people who stand with others, who lift others, and who believe that faith and knowledge must always lead to service.”
During the ceremony, Kenneth Moore ’91, chair of the Saint Peter’s University Board of Trustees, presented the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, to Joseph A. Panepinto, Esq. ’66, founder and president of Panepinto Properties, in recognition of his decades of leadership and transformative contributions to the development of Jersey City. The prestigious honor was accepted on his behalf by his daughter, Roseanne Panepinto Taufield.
The University also conferred an honorary degree upon commencement speaker Dr. Ijeoma “Ije” Akunyili, physician-leader, public servant and advocate for health equity. As chief medical officer of Jersey City Medical Center, Dr. Akunyili made history in 2023 as the first Black chief medical officer in the hospital’s 141-year history.
In her commencement address, Dr. Akunyili reflected on her journey from Nigeria to the United States and encouraged graduates to pursue lives rooted in purpose and service.
“Today I choose to serve everyone who comes into my hospital regardless of their economic status and especially when I do not know their circumstances,” said Dr. Akunyili. “As I deeply understand that health equity is one of the highest forms of social justice.”
“Everything you carry within you was never meant to be hidden because this world needs more Peacocks.”
Undergraduate valedictorian Ruqya Elouarraq, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, reflected on the sense of community students built together during their time at Saint Peter’s.
“We all shared one identity for the last four years,” Elouarraq said. “And together, in a world plagued by prejudice and polarization, we unknowingly created something, a powerful community.”
“Wherever we go whether into hospitals, classrooms, businesses, or beyond we carry with us the lessons this community taught us: to care, to support, and to show up for others.”
Graduate speaker Cliff Achokah echoed those sentiments while speaking about the importance of cura personalis care for the whole person, throughout the Saint Peter’s experience.
“The small community builds lifelong relationships and quite frankly embodies the very emblem Saint Peter’s goes by, and that is cura personalis,” said Achokah. “Saint Peter’s has equipped you and I with the tools to excel in the real world and be receptive to success in all forms.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, President Benitez officially conferred degrees upon the graduating class and offered one final message to the newest Saint Peter’s alumni.
“We are confident you will go forward and make the world better because you were here,” Benitez said. “You will always have a home at Saint Peter’s University on John F. Kennedy Boulevard and in the heart of this community. Go forward with purpose, courage and pride.”
The 135th Commencement Ceremony concluded with celebration, reflection and the beginning of a new chapter for the Class of 2026.
View more photos from the 2026 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
View more photos from the 2026 Graduate/Doctoral Commencement Ceremony