Photo gallery: Commencement 2011

Photos from The College of New Jersey’s 2011 Commencement ceremonies, held on Friday, May 13.

Words by TCNJ's editorial staff

Among the 2,141 students to receive a degree this May was 79-year-old John Silver (pictured at right). The retired New York businessman said he got to know a new generation of educators while raising funds for The Lawrenceville School, and that experience, in turn, led to an epiphany.

“These guys have spent 40 years reading books. I’ve spent 40 years reading balance sheets,” Silver recalled thinking to himself. “I’m way behind.”

So Silver, a self-proclaimed Shakespeare addict, decided to continue his education. On May 13, after four years of hitting the books, Silver received his master’s degree in English—and even got to carry the School of Graduate Studies gonfalon during the main ceremony.

The father of seven said he is “gainfully unemployed,” and is considering expanding his thesis, “The Renewal of Faith in Shakespeare’s Women,” into a book.

Click on any image below to open the slide show.

Plus, don’t miss these Commencement photos culled from our archives and this look back at some past Commencement ceremonies and traditions.