Chathamites Graduate from Drew University

Several Chatham residents earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Drew University in Madison on May 12:

• Diane Seutter Ballatore of Chatham received a Master of Arts in Ministry degree

• Elizabeth Jane Boyer of Chatham received a Master of Theological Studies degree

• Yong-Sup Song of Chatham received a Doctor of Philosophy degree

• Laura Jamison Frese of Chatham received a bachelor of arts degree

• Jennifer Beth Dreifuss of Chatham Township received a bachelor of arts degree

New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Barry T. Albin spoke to students at Drew's 144th commencement ceremony, along with Drew President Robert Weisbuch.

"'If your nerve deny you,' Emily Dickinson proclaims, 'go above your nerve,'" Weisbuch told graduates, quoting the 19th century American poet. "There is a great deal in life that we cannot control, but we are in charge of ourselves, and we can forge our attitudes," he said. "Change is frightening, yes, but daring is available and greater."

Albin was nominated to serve on New Jersey's highest court in 2002. He was confirmed for a second term and tenure in 2009. As an Associate Justice, Albin has been a champion of equal rights for all New Jersey residents. He wrote a 2006 majority opinion which established partnership rights for same-sex couples. Prior to joining the court, he was a partner at the Woodbridge-based firm Wilentz, Goldman and Spitzer. He holds degrees from Rutgers University and Cornell Law School.

Founded in 1867, Drew is a coeducational university with an enrollment of over 2,500 students in its College of Liberal Arts, Caspersen School of Graduate Studies and Theological School.