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Kareem McKenzie, a former professional athlete who played for both the New York Jets and the New York Giants and is now a Nationally Certified Counselor, will deliver the commencement address at Raritan Valley Community College’s annual spring commencement, Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m. McKenzie will receive an honorary degree during the ceremony, which will be held on the soccer field at the College’s Branchburg campus.

Close to 1,100 students are expected to be awarded associate degrees or certificates.

McKenzie, a New Jersey native who grew up in Willingboro, is a licensed counselor and former professional athlete who played 11 years as an offensive tackle for both the New York Jets and the New York Giants. His career with the Giants brought him two Super Bowl wins—Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI— both Championship contests against the New England Patriots.

While a player, McKenzie also interned with the National Football League. In those roles, he assisted managers in understanding players’ perspectives better and offered insight regarding services provided to current and former players in the NFL.

After retiring from professional football, the graduate of Penn State, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management, continued his education to prepare for his second career: as a counselor. McKenzie pursued a graduate degree, earning a Master of Education in Professional Counseling from William Paterson University of New Jersey.

During his career as a counseling intern and later as a counselor, McKenzie has provided his services to individuals and groups of all ages. He has worked as a member of a psychiatric treatment team, handling intake assessments, co-facilitating group therapy sessions for adolescents and adults, conducting individual therapy sessions, and advocating for patients.

McKenzie also has worked with the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the New York Tri-State Area. He served as a spokesperson and a selection committee member for the RMHC African American Future Achievers Scholarship Fund, which offers scholarships to students in financial need who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.

A Nationally Certified Counselor, McKenzie is currently a Doctoral Candidate at Kean University, where he is completing his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 16, 2024

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #102