The Community Center offers a number of resources to support students in their own lives as well as to help them help others through community engagement. This newsletter provides the latest news and updates from the Center.

History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing.
Learn More About the History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth Art Festival

Saturday, June 19, 2021

11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Download the Attached Flyer for More Information

Pride Month 

Pride Month is celebrated every June as a tribute to those who were involved in the Stonewall Riots. We’re getting ready to dust off our rainbow flags, douse ourselves in glitter, and go join in the fun. With parades, festivals, and concerts going on across the globe, there’s always some way for you to get involved — as well as learn some important social history along the way.  

Pride Month is for everyone to embrace who they are and let the world know — in style! The rainbow aptly signifies the colorful activities and flavors of this month-long celebration. These include massive rallies, pride parades, parties, workshops, concerts, and countless more LGBTQ+ events to attract participants from all over. The Pride community takes huge pride in their movement, going all out for the festivities with elaborate costumes, makeup, and, of course, glitter — so that they sparkle for the whole world to see!

NYC Pride March

Sunday, June 27, 2021

Click for More Information About NYC Pride

NJCU Commencement Ceremony

Congratulations to the NJCU Graduating Classes of 2020 and 2021! Undergraduate and graduate students from the class of 2020 and 2021 will be celebrated June 15.

All participants (faculty, staff and graduates) must have regalia and were required to RSVP by May 21, 2021. Your RSVP was through the regalia reservation process. Unfortunately, we are unable to extend this deadline. 

**Please note ceremony time changes**  
  • 9 a.m. Ceremony: School of Business and College of Professional Studies
    (Doors open at 8 a.m. for all graduates and all must be seated by 8:40 a.m.)

  • 1 p.m. Ceremony: Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education and the William J. Maxwell College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and CAS/Education dual-degree recipients
    (Doors open at 12 p.m. for all graduates and all must be seated by 12:40 p.m.)

Ticketing Information:

Guests DO NOT need to have an entry ticket and all guests are welcome. There is no maximum number of guests per student. 

Please note a few important facts about attending the graduation at Prudential Center:
  • Masks are strongly encouraged to be worn at all times while on Prudential Center property and inside the arena.

  • All guests will be required to follow all Prudential Center safety protocols.

Ceremony:

The ceremony is expected to last no more than two (2) hours. Commencement is an important and formal occasion during which each graduate should be treated with the highest respect and honor.

To ensure that each individual can enjoy this day, we ask that all graduates remain seated until the ceremony's conclusion.

Due to the social distancing requirements of the venue, there will be no procession or recessions for students, faculty, or staff. All participants will be asked to be immediately seated once arriving at the venue.

Seating will be determined based on school and major.
Click for More Commencement Ceremony Information

Summer Activities
for Kids
 


Summer is in full swing, and if your house is anything like mine, a bit of affordable (or free!) entertainment is in order! To help bust summer boredom, I'm bringing you a list of some of our favorite fun, cheap, and even FREE summer activities for kids!

If you're looking for something “out-of-the-box” to do to entertain your kids… this list is for you!

  • Go for a nature walk
  • Set up an obstacle course
  • Visit the fire station
  • Make microwave s'mores
  • Make a painters tape race track
  • Visit the library
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Visit an aquarium
  • Pool day
  • Visit a local farm
  • Go hiking
  • Fly a kite
  • Make a DIY craft
  • Finger paint with pudding
100 Fun Summer Activities for Kids!
Krispy Creme Donut

Krispy Kreme Free Donut for Vaccinated Individuals

Krispy Kreme is finding ways to be sweet as the U.S. continues to scale COVID-19 vaccinations. To show our support for those who choose to get vaccinated, starting March 22, anyone who shows their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card will receive a free Original Glazed® doughnut.
Chef Roqu

Chef RoQu's Recipes

Banana Pudding

Ingredients: 
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 (16 ounce) package vanilla wafers
  • 14 bananas, sliced
Directions: 
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat pudding mix and milk 2 minutes.
  2. Blend in condensed milk until smooth.
  3. Stir in vanilla and fold in whipped topping.
  4. Layer wafers, bananas and pudding mixture in a glass serving bowl.
  5. Chill until serving.

    COVID-19 Vaccination Assessment Survey


    Dear NJCU Community,

    As we continue our steps for a full-in-person fall, NJCU requests input from our community regarding intentions to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and how we may help facilitate vaccinations.

    This anonymous, confidential, and voluntary survey will help the COVID Response Team continue updating recommendations for the summer and fall. 

    You can access the two-question survey here: 
    Two-Question Survey
    Resources
    Virtual library hours
    Suicide Prevention Hotline:
    1-800-273-8255
    Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
    Subscribe to our email list.