Jon Bon Jovi Awarded Honorary Degree At Rutgers University-Camden

Rutgers University-Camden

Hometown NEW JERSEY rocker and philanthropist JON BON JOVI, chair of the JON BON JOVI SOUL FOUNDATION, received an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree this morning from RUTGERS UNIVERSITY-CAMDEN, while BRYAN STEVENSON, the founder and executive director of the EQUAL JUSTICE INITIAITIVE, received an Honorary Doctor of Laws diploma during the school's Convocation and Graduate Commencement ceremony held at the SUSQUEHANNA BANK CENTER in CAMDEN, NJ.

Both awards were presented by RUTGERS Chancellor PHOEBE A. HADDON before an audience of more than 3,000 that included 293 students receiving their master’s and doctoral degrees at that specific event. Overall, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY-CAMDEN awarded 1,749 degrees at five separate ceremonies throughout the day.

During the event, BON JOVI debuted and performed a new song, “Reunion,” that he wrote specifically for the Class of 2015. In his comments, BON JOVI advised the new graduates: “Life is a long, bumpy road, but that makes for an exciting ride. Choose a direction and if the road turns -- turn!  If there is a fork in the road -- take it!  It’s okay to map out your future … but do it in pencil.”

“These are two extraordinary honorees whose careers uplift the lives of everyone they touch,” said HADDON.  “Both give voice and hope to underserved citizens and communities, and their leadership is an inspiration to everyone committed to equal justice in all areas of society and life.  As an institution selected by the CARNEGIE FOUNDATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF TEACHING to receive its COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CLASSIFICATION, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY-CAMDEN is committed to developing the next generation of civic leaders, and Prof. STEVENSON and Mr.BON JOVI are outstanding role models for that goal.”
 
BON JOVI’s SOUL FOUNDATION is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing about positive change and helping the lives of those in need.

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