TOMS RIVER — Ocean County College marked a major milestone for its Class of 2026, awarding 1,472 associate degrees during its 59th annual commencement ceremonies.
The college held two ceremonies at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena, where graduates, families, faculty and staff gathered to recognize the students’ achievements.
This year’s graduating class included a notable group of students who reached a college milestone before finishing high school. Fifty-five Ocean County high school students completed degrees through OCC’s Early College programs, while 51 students from the OCVTS Performing Arts Academy earned associate degrees in performing arts.
Steven Zabarsky, chair of the college’s Board of Trustees, began the ceremonies before OCC President Pamela Monaco addressed the graduates.
Monaco described commencement as a meaningful but emotional day for the college, saying faculty and staff were proud to celebrate students’ success while also saying farewell. She praised the graduates for completing their programs and preparing to begin the next chapter in their lives.
Student speaker Sabrina Watts of Jackson said the Class of 2026 leaves OCC with lessons that extend beyond the classroom. She said graduates built resilience, learned to rely on one another and developed the determination needed to face future challenges.
During the evening ceremony, Ryan Kanarkowski of Point Pleasant Beach told classmates to recognize the significance of what they had accomplished. He encouraged them to take risks, try difficult things and view setbacks as part of the path forward.
The college also recognized two faculty members for their service to students. Dr. Mark William Westmoreland, College Lecturer II of Philosophy, was named the 2026 Full-Time Faculty of the Year. Professor Dom Corcuera, adjunct professor of chemistry, was named the 2026 Part-Time Faculty of the Year.
The faculty honorees were selected from more than 222 nominations submitted by OCC students.
The ceremonies were broadcast live on ocean.edu and Ocean TV-20. Recordings will continue to be rebroadcast throughout the month and are available online.
For more information, visit ocean.edu/graduation.
