Nadine Aktan, professor of nursing, Bruce Diamond, professor of psychology, and Martin Becker, professor of environmental science, were honored as the recipients of the 2020 Faculty Excellence Awards .
WP held its first-ever Lavender Graduation Ceremony for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. Though the ceremony had to be held virtually due to the COVID-19 crisis, the message of acceptance, support, and celebration in the face of adversity rang out nonetheless.
Both Honors College students and WP soccer players, Corrine and Kristen Bowe '20 embrace shared experiences.
Class of 2020 graduates Carolina Oliveros, Imge Uludogan, Bonnie Smith and Sue Yavuz, who all majored in public health, have been hired by the Morris County Office of Health Management to help respond to the COVID-19 crisis. 
Ashanae Gordon ’20 is going on to pursue her PhD through the  AGU (American Geophysical Union) Bridge Program , which aims to bring more women and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups into advanced geoscience studies.
Pascual knows these times are undoubtedly different, but they do not cheapen the efforts of her peers: “The current state of now is temporary, but our accomplishments are forever.”
While this year’s virtual commencement experience differed from previous ceremonies, Kopko’s message to his fellow graduates was steadfast: Do not focus on material possessions, rather concentrate on impacting someone’s life in a positive way.
Messages of support from faculty and staff members and a video slideshow bring back memories of the William Paterson campus for the Class of 2020.
It was a virtual commencement this year, but happy and proud graduates found creative ways to celebrate their big day on social media.