Tribute to Scholarship

Hooding Ceremony celebrates Rowan's newest Ph.D., Ed.D. and Ed.S. grads

By Rowan University

May 3^rd, 2024

With each hood draped over graduates' shoulders during the first ceremony of Commencement Week 2024, years of study and work brought their reward to the worthy recipients.

Loved ones cheered. Advisors and colleagues applauded. New Ph.D., Ed.D. and Ed.S. graduates basked in celebration, gratitude and pride.

"The hooding ceremony honored these graduates for completing an academic marathon that tested their intellect and resolve for many years," said President Ali A. Houshmand. "Each of them now have contributed to significant research and discovery that advance their areas of expertise. I am tremendously proud of what they have accomplished here at Rowan."

Held for the first time in Rowan's history, the Hooding Ceremony recognized graduates who have pursued the most rigorous, extensive and substantial academic goals at Rowan. (Before this year's event, Rowan graduates received their hoods during programs that also acknowledged bachelor's and master's degree candidates.)

The candidates for hooding represent a significant part of Rowan’s extraordinary progress during the past decade. They have helped triple the institution’s research portfolio, propelling Rowan’s remarkably rapid ascent from a Carnegie-classified master’s university to R2 (doctoral institution with high research activity) and, soon, to R1 (doctoral institution with very high research activity).

"We are the nation's fourth fastest-growing public research university because of ambitious, brilliant people like these graduates and the expert faculty who challenge and guide them," said Houshmand. "Together, we will keep driving knowledge and innovation forward."