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Newark educator Stephen N. Adubato, Sr., received an honorary degree from Kean University Tuesday at the Nathan Weiss Graduate College commencement ceremony at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.
Adubato, who received a Doctor of Human Letters degree, was honored for his contributions to Newark, which include the founding of The North Ward Center and the Robert Treat Academy Charter School.
"Widely recognized for his tireless efforts on behalf of Newark's residents, especially in the area of education and social services, Mr. Adubato has consistently worked to improve the lives of others for more than four decades," said Eugene Enlow, the chairman of the Kean University Board of Trustees, who presented Adubato with the degree. (Watch the video)
Kean University President Dr. Dawood Farahi said Adubato deserved recognition for his many positive contributions to the city.
"Mr. Adubato has made a positive difference in the lives of so many individuals," Farahi said.
In a short address, Adubato urged graduates to follow their passion. (Watch the video)
"A great philosopher said the meaning of life is love and work," Adubato said. "I want to talk to you about passion. My passion is connected with work. Most of you will spend more time at your job than you will with your friends or even your family. If you are not excited about that experience, you won't be happy."
"Keep your mind open," he said. "Find your passion."
A lifelong Newark resident, Adubato founded The North Ward Center in 1970. Over the years, the Center has grown to include one of the largest Abbott pre schools in New Jersey, the largest private recreational program in the state as well as Casa Israel Adult Medical Day Care Center. The North Ward Center also recently opened The Center for Autism to serve urban families with autism.
A former social studies teacher in the Newark Public Schools, Adubato's crowning achievement in education is the Robert Treat Academy, a charter school founded in 1997. Robert Treat has received national acclaim for excellence and was named a Blue Ribbon school in 2008. The K-8 school sends its graduates to the best high schools in America. Last year, the school opened a second campus in Newark's Central Ward.
"We are all proud of Steve's accomplishments and happy that he was honored by Kean University in this way," said Adrianne Davis, the Executive Director of The North Ward Center.
Adubato was followed by Anna Quindlen, the novelist, social critic and former Newsweek and New York Times columnist, who gave the commencement address. She received the Kean Medal.
Kean University's Nathan Weiss Graduate College graduated a record 784 graduates, the largest in the school's history.
Founded in 1855, Kean University has become one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, boasting a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Five undergraduate colleges and the Nathan Weiss Graduate College now serve more than 15,000 students.
