Commencement 2026
NJCU Commencement
TuesdayMay 192026 • 8:30 a.m.
Prudential Center | 25 Lafayette StreetNewarkNJ
Transportation and Parking Information
Doors Open: 7:30 a.m. Guests must be in their seats by 8:10 a.m.
At NJCUCommencement provides our students an opportunity to celebrate their academic achievements with familyfriendsfacultyalumniand the entire University community. The ceremony will recognize School of BusinessCollege of Professional StudiesDeborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Educationand the William J. Maxwell College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and CAS/Education dual-degree recipients.
More details will be announced in the coming weeks. Please check this page often or your NJCU email for updates.
Honorary Degree Recipient
Jorge A. Plasencia
An entrepreneurbusiness leaderand philanthropistJorge A. Plasencia’s career spans global marketingmediasportsand entertainment. A Miami-born Cuban American from generations of entrepreneurshis heritage—shaped by exile and opportunity—instilled in him a lifelong commitment to hard workserviceand giving back.
Plasencia co-founded Miami-based Republica Havas in 2006building it into a digital- and mobile-first advertising powerhouse that has achieved sustained double-digit growthbeen named a top workplaceand received global industry recognition. In 2018Republica was named Ad Age’s No. 1 Independent U.S. Multicultural Agency before joining forces with the Paris-based Havas Group. As global chief client officer for the Havas Creative Networkhe has partnered with key clients and helped launch Converged.AIa global AI-powered platform integrating datamediaand creativity. In 2026Republica Havas marks its 20th anniversary.
His early career included leadership roles with the Florida Marlins—today the Miami Marlins—during their first World Series championship seasonand service as vice president of Estefan Enterprises during the “Latin Music Explosion,” working with global artists including Gloria Estefan and Shakira. He helped produce numerous major cultural eventsincluding programming at the White House and the Super Bowl XXXIII halftime show. Personally asked by Celia Cruzthe Queen of Salsato organize her historic funeral serviceshe now serves on the board of the Celia Cruz Foundation.
Plasencia’s philanthropic leadership is extensive. At 17he co-founded Amigos For Kidsnow celebrating its 35th anniversary as one of South Florida’s most enduring nonprofits. He currently serves as board chair of the Miami Dade College Foundation and serves on boards including the 4As (American Association of Advertising Agencies)the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Artsand Aspen Conexión. He is a co-founder of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute and previously served as the first Cuban American and youngest board chair of UnidosUS.
His honors include the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year AwardCEO of the Year from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commercethe Friend of Brand Spain Awardand recognition among the most influential Floridians and U.S. Hispanics. A Miami Dade College Hall of Fame inducteePlasencia holds a bachelor’s degree with honors from Barry University and completed the Advanced Management Executive Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Presidential Medallion Recipient
Suraj Kaufman
Suraj Kaufman is a philanthropic leaderentrepreneurand community advocate dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting impact through servicecollaborationand purpose-driven initiatives. He founded Sneaker Room in Jersey City and built it from the ground up into a nationally recognized sneaker and life brand rooted in the community. Building on that foundationhe launched the Sneaker Room Foundationa nonprofit organization focused on youth empowermenteducationhealthand community wellness.
Through the foundationKaufman has delivered large-scale giveback initiatives serving thousands of families across Jersey City and beyondincluding back-to-school block partiesbackpack and supply distributionsThanksgiving turkey drivesannual holiday paradesand holiday toy giveaways. The foundation has created lasting legacy projects within Jersey City Medical Centerincluding a dedicated waiting room at the Christie Kerr Women's Center established in memory of his motherdonations to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unitand the founding of the Green Apple Food Pharmacy to address food insecurity and chronic health conditions.
Deeply invested in educationKaufman authored and teaches a proprietary entrepreneurship curriculum titled BEST (Business Entrepreneur Student Teaching)now in its second year within the Jersey City Public School system. He also opened the Sneaker Room Annex at Middle School #7where teachers refer students in need to receive new sneakers as support and motivation to improve attendancebehaviorand academic performance. AdditionallyKaufman awards scholarships in his father's name to support students pursuing higher education.
Kaufman's philanthropic impact extends internationally with giveback initiatives in Puerto Rico and India and through strategic collaborations with global brands such as Nike and Adidasas well as athletes and cultural figures including Victor Cruz and Kyrie Irving. He serves as Treasurer of the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation and as a member of the Board of Trustees at Jersey City Medical Center.