Traditions
Convocation
Convocation officially ushers in the the new academic year and celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding faculty and staff. The 2005 Academic Convocation (pictured below) featured the presentation of Distinguished Faculty Awards, the Pillars of FDU Awards and Presidential Citations. In addition, Richard J. Codey, BA’81 (Flor), former acting governor of New Jersey, was presented an honorary doctoral degree. Willard Gingerich, who joined FDU in August 2005, presided over his first Academic Convocation as University Provost and Academic Vice President.
Left photo: Keynote speaker Leonard Grob. Center photo: New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey, right, receives his honorary doctoral degree citation from President J. Michael Adams and Board of Trustees Member Mary Kay Mastronardy Stratis, BA’69 (Ruth), MAT’71 (Metro). Right photo: Willard Gingerich, University Provost and Academic Vice President.
Family Weekend and Homecoming
Family Weekend and Homecoming are celebrated at both New Jersey campuses. On Saturday, October 1, 2005 the Metropolitan Campus hosted a carnival on campus for students and their families, and comedians Dean Edwards and Corey Holcomb entertained more than 100 parents and students at the Knight of Comedy.
On Friday, September 30, 2005 the Pep Rally, hosted by the Florham Programming Committee (FPC), drew more than 800 students to the Ferguson Recreation Center, College at Florham. Also, at the College at Florham on Saturday, October 1, more than 4,500 cheered on the Devils’ men’s football team as it triumphed over the Lycoming Warriors, 49-14.
Before the football game, in FPC’s Charity Carnival Tent, more than 25 student organizations participated in raising funds for the American Heart Association, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. More than $4,000 was raised.
Left photo: Barbara Fargnoli, vice president of the Parents Council, spends the day with her daughters, Christine, left, and Jessica, right, both students at the Metropolitan Campus. Right photo: FPC's Charity Tent at the College at Florham.
Candle Lighting Ceremony
As part of feshman orientation each year, members of the in-coming class gather on both campuses to participate in a candle lighting ceremony that officially welcomes them to the FDU community.
A bagpiper leads the procession for the candle-lighting
ceremony on the lawn of the Mansion, College at Florham.
Commencement
The University’s 63rd Commencement exercises will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at the Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford, N.J.
Students celebrate on graduation day.
Late Night Breakfast
Held each semester during finals week on both campuses, Late Night Breakfast helps students gear up for final exams by providing a place for study groups to meet late into the night.
Students prepare for final exams and confer
with one another at Late Night Breakfast.
To learn more about our theme programming, click below to access the Web site for the Office of Student Life.
