Keynote Speakers, Honorees Announced for NJIT's 2024 Commencement Ceremonies

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has proudly revealed the distinguished keynote speakers for its 2024 Commencement ceremonies, each representing a remarkable journey of achievement and success.

Marjorie A. Perry, MBA '05, an esteemed alumna of NJIT and President/CEO of MZM Construction, will deliver the keynote address at the undergraduate ceremony on May 17 at the Prudential Center. Perry, who earned her MBA from NJIT, has been an integral part of the university's community for over a decade. Notably, Perry made history as the first woman and African American to chair the Foundation Board of Directors in 2018, showcasing her dedication and leadership within the institution. Her contributions of time, talent, and resources have greatly enriched the NJIT community.

Perry will also be recognized for her commitment to the Highlander community with an honorary doctorate degree.

Santo Politi, MSEE '90, a distinguished graduate with a master's degree in electrical engineering from NJIT, will address graduates of Newark College of Engineering, J. Robert and Barbara A. Hillier College of Architecture and Design, College of Science and Liberal Arts, and Martin Tuchman School of Management at the master's ceremony on May 15 at NJIT's Joel and Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center (WEC). Politi's career trajectory exemplifies innovation and success, with notable roles at Panasonic, Bankers Trust and Blockbuster before transitioning to venture capital. As the founder and managing partner at Spark Capital, a leading early-stage and growth venture capital firm investing in various sectors, Politi brings a wealth of experience and insight to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Samir Saini, BSCE ’97, an Albert Dorman Honors College scholar and civil engineering graduate of NJIT, will share his expertise at the master’s ceremony for Ying Wu College of Computing students on May 15 at the WEC. With an impressive career spanning over 25 years, Saini currently serves in a pivotal strategy and go-to-market role within Microsoft’s government practice, empowering state and local governments to leverage various technologies, with a keen focus on AI, to transform citizen services and optimize operations. Prior to Microsoft, Samir had extensive experience serving in several chief information officer roles in both the public and private sectors. His deep expertise in technology strategy, operations, project delivery and product management across a broad spectrum of industries makes him an invaluable speaker for graduates entering the tech industry.

Carolyn Merkel, MSM '97, a Martin Tuchman School of Management graduate in technology management, is a founding partner of Mariner Analytical, LLC. She will deliver the keynote address at the Ph.D. ceremony on May 15 at the WEC. Merkel's consulting firm specializes in providing realistic, fair and actionable knowledge- and science-based advice to clients in regulated industries. Since its inception in 2004, Mariner Analytical has been at the forefront of offering cross-disciplinary solutions in markets ranging from agriculture, pharmaceuticals, construction to food. Prior to forming Mariner Analytical, Merkel was part of the research and development team at McNeil Nutritionals, where she helped develop SPLENDA® sweetener. Merkel's commitment to leveraging science and expertise to address complex challenges underscores her significance as a speaker for doctoral graduates poised to make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.

Honorary Degree Recipients to be Recognized

In addition to the keynote addresses, NJIT’s tradition of awarding honorary doctorate degrees continues with three notable alumni. The honorees — Marjorie Perry, Elizabeth “Liz” Garcia and Alex Khowaylo — have demonstrated exemplary achievement and serve as an inspiration for NJIT’s future graduates.

Elizabeth “Liz” Garcia, PE, MSChE '73 received her master’s in chemical engineering while working at Exxon Research and Engineering. She began her career as a design engineer, serving global roles in both planning, design and start up of refineries and plants, as well as leading several risk management programs. Her work yielded improved chemical plant processes and six published technical papers.

She joined Infineum USA LP in 1999. During her tenure at Infineum, in addition to her engineering responsibilities, she led the development, coordination and implementation of government, community and media relations programs, as well as managing its philanthropist contributions budget. She worked with industry and business advocacy groups and legislators in the development of more effective laws and regulations for the chemical industry. Liz retired in 2011 as manager of public affairs at Infineum, but her volunteer activities continue today.

Liz served on NJIT’s Board of Trustees from 2005 until 2020. Upon her retirement, she was named a Trustee Emerita. She received the Newark College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus/a Award in 2002 and the Alumni Achievement Award in 1996.

Alex Khowaylo, BSME ’63 is a mechanical engineering graduate and NJIT Hall of Fame soccer player. He was a member of the team that won the NAIA National Championship in 1961. Alex has also received the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2010.

He started his career in 1968 with Howmedica, an orthopedic implant manufacturer, as an entry level project engineer and progressed to manufacturing engineering manager. Alex soon became a serial entrepreneur. He co-founded and sold four orthopedic implant companies. His first company, Meditec, Inc., was acquired by 3M; his second company, Osteonics, specialized in hip-joint replacements and was acquired by Stryker Corporation in 1979; his third company, Implex Corp. introduced new hip and knee implant designs combined with a newly-developed biomaterial that allowed bone fixation to the implants and was acquired by Zimmer Holdings in 2004; and the fourth company, Pipeline Biomedical Holdings, was formed in 2007. Alex currently serves as chairman of the Board of Acuitive Technologies

For more information on the commencement ceremonies, visit commencement.njit.edu.